021 Downtown Magazine NYC Winter 2016-17 by Downtown Magazine NY, LA & Miami

THE HEART OF NEW YORK CITY

Ladurée A DELICIOUS SLICE OF PARIS IN THE HEART OF SOHO

Mark Your Calendar

THE FOUR SEASONS

IS THE PERFECT DESTINATION ON ANY DATE

Fashion FORWARD

A PEEK INTO THE FUTURE AT 50 WEST

Downtown DADS

RAISING KIDS THE NEW-FASHIONED WAY

Rashad

JENNINGS A BIG MAN AMONG GIANTS

Grace A. Capobianco Editor-in-Chief Editor-at-Large Mike Hammer Creative Director Bruno Ruggiero Managing Editor Eva Maria Troester Editorial Consultant Julie Ring-Hansen Holt Digital Managing Editor Darren Paltrowitz Contributing Beauty Editor dnicole Contributing Fashion Editor Laurean Ossorio Contributing Family & Lifestyle Editor Denise Courter Food Editor Jessica Rovira Senior Landscape Photographer Tony Shi

CONTRIBUTORS

Joe Alexander Angele Blank Deborah DeGraffenreid Gian Andrea Di Stefano Natalia Garro Stephanie Guld R. Couri Hay Matt Licari Jackie Marie Paige Murphy Next Models Daniel Newcomb Wilhelmina

Pavel Bendov Jo Ann Calvanico Francisco DiPolo Sergio Esteves Jonathan Grassi Jackie Hart Sophie Kietzmann Alexandra Lynn Katie McElveen New York Models Red Models Management Vesna Savcic

INTERNS

Caisse Davis Armando Gutierrez Maya Mesica Catie Perry Elene Solomnishvili

TECHNOLOGY

Bradley Kirkland Nicu Lordachescu Neal Marshad

BUSINESS

Executive Vice President John â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Capâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Capobianco Chief Financial Officer Jeff Fields Advisor To The Publisher Andy Wheatcroft Finance & Tax Consultant SpearCPA

Downtown Media And Production Inc. downtownmagazinenyc.com

Copyright 2017 by Downtown Media and Production Inc. All rights reserved. Downtown (ISSN2164-6198) is published four times per year in Spring, Summer, Fall and Winter for $32 per subscription by Downtown Media and Production Inc., 380 Rector Place, Suite 15F, New York, NY 10280. Application to mail at periodical postage rates is pending at New York, NY, and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Downtown, 380 Rector Place, Suite 15F, New York, NY 10280. Reproduction without permission of the publisher is prohibited. The publisher and editor are not responsible for unsolicited material. Return postage must accompany all manuscripts, photographs and drawings. To order a subscription, please visit downtownmagazinenyc.com. For customer service, please inquire at customer@downtownmagazinenyc.com. To distribute Downtown, please email distribution@dtnycmag.com

THE HEART OF NEW YORK CITY

WINTER 2016 7....................... Publisher’s Letter 8....................... Advisory Board 9....................... Contributors

NEWS 10..................... Style 11....................... Culture 12...................... Food 13...................... Gear

SO C I AL 14..................... Out and About 15...................... Fall Launch Party

D OW NTOWN P E R SP E C TIVE 16..................... Panorama of Downtown Manhattan

IN S I G HT 18..................... Power Couple | Elisabeth & Pierre Antoine Raberin 20.................... Interior Design | The Four Seasons Downtown 22..................... Real Estate | Andrew Azoulay, Douglas Elliman 24.................... Interior Design | Cabin Fever

COV ER STORY 26.................... Rashad Jennings | New York Giants

ST Y L E VAULT 32..................... Editorial | The Future is Downtown 42.................... Beauty | Her Look 44.................... Grooming | His Look 46.................... Procedures | New Beauty

LITTLE APPLE 49.................... Léman | Family Fitness 50.................... Downtown Dad | Alex Reznik 52..................... Essentials 53..................... Barclay’s Spot

PASS P O R T 54.................... Travel | Bordeaux, France 56.................... Getaway | Hard Rock Hotel

CITY BITES 58.................... Destination | CUT 62.................... Chef Profile | Sherry Yard

F I T N E SS 64.................... Wellness | Seasonal Affective Disorder 66.................... Skiing | Preparing for a Ski Trip

RE W I N D 68.................... Dying Breed | Delmonico’s Restaurant 70.................... History | The Great Wall Street Crash of 1929 72..................... Hidden Gem | Broad Street Ballroom

18 On Victoria Dress: Missoni Jewelry: Barbara Novak Diamonds

66 44 32

Take A Chance On

Winter

Photography by Leslie Hassler Stylist: Rachel Wirkus

Dress: La Petite Robe di Chiara Boni | Shoes: Paul Andrew | Jewelry: Barbara Novak Diamonds

’m writing from my office that overlooks a vastly different, but breathtakingly elegant landscape that is the new Downtown! The sun shimmered off the Hudson, as I walked to work and I felt the familiar chilling winds of winter—that always warm my heart! This was a year many of us will never forget. It was the year I chronicled both the highs and lows and unknown of the publishing industry. Being an independent publisher is like skiing a treacherous slope—you know that you can do it—but you’re never completely sure where your next step will take you. But you must take that step. I only have to point out the many visionaries who help rebuild Downtown from the rubble to the idyllic destination it is today. Think of the people behind the opening of Westfield, The Four Seasons and those who brought Saks from Fifth Avenue to the Financial District, to name a few. With growth comes excitement, frustration and even the unknown. But what sets us apart from those who choose not to follow their dreams down those scary slopes are results. You cannot achieve them if you do not take the chance. In this issue we took a chance shooting at 50 West—one of my favorite buildings. We wanted to deliver a futuristic feel that reflected our forward thinking community. Our art director and stylist chose clothing to reflect the contemporary architecture of sleek angles of this modern marvel. This issue, we look at those who have taken chances—and succeeded. From French power couple Elisabeth Holder Raberin and Pierre Antoine Raberin who’s brought Ladurée down to SoHo to our cover NFL All-Star Rashad Jennings and his way to Major League Football. We look back to the Wall Street Crash of ‘29 and Delmonico’s—New York’s first restaurant, alive and well today—and forward to the new Four Seasons Hotel Downtown with its private residences and CUT by Wolfgang Puck as well as the new iPic at the South Street Seaport and the brilliant chef behind its dining-inthe-dark, Sherry Yard. When faced with opportunities, we can learn from those who have persevered and those who have started anew. In Little Apple—our Downtown parenting section—we are proud to introduce you to the first of our community’s many gay parents, the Downtown Dads who live, work and parent right here in Lower Manhattan with the same love as any other family. As we close 2016 and look forward to 2017, our own Downtown team is tirelessly working on some wonderful and needed products to continue to help this landscape that we call home. So never give up, my friends. Take your chances but make choices fueled from your own, your heart and creativity. But always make them for the people and area you love!

Grace A. Capobianco CEO & Publisher

ADVISORY BOARD Maria Castelluccio Maria Castelluccio joined Léman Manhattan as Head of School in July 2016. A proven educational leader and visionary, Castelluccio has dedicated her career to driving student performance and building community in PreK–12 schools in the U.S. and internationally for more than 25 years. Originally from the Bronx, Castelluccio raised her four children in Fairfield County, Connecticut.

Samantha Cox Samantha Cox is Assistant Vice President of Writer/Publisher Relations at Broadcast Music, Inc. She has worked closely with many prominent artists including Lady Gaga, Halsey, Shinedown, 3 Doors Down, and Flyleaf. She also provides advisement and supports a myriad of projects at the Center for Performing Arts at New York Presbyterian/ Weill Cornell.

Louise Phillips Forbes For more than 27 years, Louise Phillips Forbes has been an industry leader in the NYC real estate market. A multitime winner of Halstead’s esteemed Broker of the Year award with career sales in excess of $2.5 billion, she is considered one of the elite power brokers representing buyers and sellers worldwide. Developers have relied on Forbes as both an advisor and onsite sales director, and to date she has successfully completed over 30 development projects.

Laura Forese, MD Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer for New York-Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medical Center, Dr. Laura Forese is responsible for programs, operations and strategic direction of medical, surgical and psychiatric beds on both campuses. Dr. Forese graduated from Princeton University and Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons. She is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon and holds a degree in health services management. She is a Trustee of Princeton University and active in charitable organizations.

Michael Kirchmann Michael Kirchmann is the founder and CEO of GDSNY, an international real estate development and architecture firm headquartered in New York. With over 20 years of diversified real estate experience, Kirchmann has worked with a number of industry leaders including Oracle, JP Morgan, Four Seasons, Hilton Hotels and Brookfield Properties on projects across the U.S., Europe, the Middle East, Asia and Africa. He’s received recognition for his work around the globe that includes large-scale urban design masterplans, office towers, residential developments, airports and art installations.

Benoit Lagarde Benoit Lagarde is the founder of Splashlight, a visual content studio based in New York City, Miami and Montreal. Splashlight offers creative development, production, digital and studio services for top fashion brands and retailers. His creative vision has been integral to Splashlight’s growth

into a multi-million-dollar corporation over the years. Trained as a professional photographer, Benoit studied at the International Center for Photography in New York, where he is now a member of the President’s Council.

Albert M. Lefkovits, MD, PC The co-director of the Cosmetic Dermatology Post-Graduate Surgical Program at Mount Sinai Medical Center, Dr. Albert M. Lefkovits is listed in Who’s Who in Medicine and Healthcare, and Science and Engineering. He sits on the scientific advisory boards of the Skin Cancer Foundation and the Foundation Society of Greater New York, and is known for his work with skin cancer detection and treatment.

Neal Marshad Emmy Award winner Neal Marshad is the founder of Marshad Technology Group, a Google Partner digital agency that develops next generation marketing services for its clients worldwide. Prior to starting his agency, Marshad is credited with producing and shooting films for NBC’s Saturday Night Live over a 30 year period. He is a resident of TriBeCa and lives and works in the neighborhood with his family and their Borzoi hounds since 1974.

Rory McCreesh Rory McCreesh founded Duce Construction Corporation in 1990. Today Duce specializes in maintaining, managing, designing, constructing, extending, and renovating high-end homes and apartments in Manhattan, Westchester, Connecticut and New Jersey. His projects have been featured in top architectural and home magazines including Architectural Digest, Elle Décor, House & Garden, Metropolitan Home, Traditional Home and The New York Times. He was named one of the Top Building Pros in America by This Old House magazine.

Drew Nieporent One of New York’s most accomplished and renowned restaurateurs, “The Mayor of Wall Street” opened his first downtown restaurant in the ‘80s. Drew Nieporent has devoted his efforts to growing his brand, the Myriad Restaurant Group, which includes the TriBeCa Grill and Nobu, while maintaining his connection to the community, which he supported through 9/11, and in his efforts to launch the TriBeCa Film Festival.

Scott Wells, MD, PC Dr. Scott Wells is seasoned in traditional plastic surgery as well as in the newest high-tech bio-restorative techniques. A leading authority in facial rejuvenation, Dr. Wells’ unique and knowledgeable approach to lasting beauty through a combination of surgical and non-surgical disciplines sets him apart in the field of aesthetic rejuvenation. He currently serves as medical director of the Park Avenue Plastic Surgery Center.

CONTRIBUTORS

2 - DAVID COTTEBLANCHE - This talented Parisian hair stylist to the stars launched the concept of late-night pampering when he opened the Red Market Salon in Miami and New York in 2005. Cotteblanche’s work has been seen in high-end fashion shows and in top titles such as Marie Claire, Allure, and ELLE. His talents are called on often at Splashlight Studios.

8 - RAFAEL RAUTHA - Originally from Brazil, Rautha started photographing São Paulo’s nightlife and concerts, capturing artists like Macy Gray, Solange and Devendra Banhart. In New York, he fell in love with documentary photography and developed projects to portray the city’s vibrant diversity of people. He’s shot for Ben & Jerry’s, fashion brands and contributed to Harper’s Bazaar Brazil.

4 - BRIAN DUPREY - Duprey was first influenced by the ground breaking MTV, watching the likes of Madonna, Boy George and Cyndi Lauper and instantly knew that makeup was his calling. As a makeup artist in NYC, Duprey’s experience, insight and trend forecasting abilities have been regularly called upon by cosmetic brands and magazine editors from W, Elle, Vogue and In Style.

7 - ZURAB KATAMADZE - Katamadze graduated in 2005 with honors from the University of Theater and Film of Georgia (Eurasia), and national media attention for his final film project propelled him into the international film festival circuit. Inspired to build on his success, the director and cinematographer moved to the United States, and New York has now become his new creative playground.

3 - MARINA BARLAGE - Originally from Brazil, Barlage is a well-respected creative director. She is the founder of creative22, a boutique design studio based in Manhattan, which serves international fashion, beauty and design clients. The launch of two fragrance campaigns for Oscar de la Renta is among her recent work. Barlage is also a jewelry designer with a self-titled collection.

1 - LOUIS ANGELO - As a freelance hairstylist, Angelo has worked with wellknown photographers including Steven Meisel, Patrick Demarchelier and Irving Penn on editorial and cover shoots for Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, W and Allure among others. In addition to his work as a freelance artist, he maintains a position as hair designer at the Julien Farel Restore Salon and Spa.

5 - CANNON - Cannon grew up in NYC and was influenced at an early age by rock and fashion. He is an awardwinning celebrity stylist, fashion editor and creative director who has styled celebrities including Angelina Jolie, Matt Damon and Colin Farrell. He contributes regularly to publications including GQ, Vanity Fair and W. Cannon also founded PLUMA, a luxury costume jewelry collection. 6 - JAMES S. KAPLAN - With a special interest in history, former tax and real estates lawyer Kaplan has given more than 200 walking tours of such diverse institutions as the Fraunces Tavern Museum and the Museum of American Finance. Kaplan has also written articles on Manhattan history for The Wall Street Journal and is currently president of the Lower Manhattan Historical Society.

9 - DIMITRI MAIS - As a portrait photographer, Mais believes that great creativity is the result of team effort and values working closely with his clients. With a background in painting and a degree in fine arts, Mais started taking pictures to reference light for his paintings and fell in love with photography. His style consists of colorful and energetic imagery. 10 - PHILIPPE REYNAUD - Discovered by famed photographer, Mario Testino in Paris, Reynaud has modeled for top global brands including Louis Vuitton, Ralph Lauren, Rolex, Calvin Klein. He has become a top photographer, learning from such luminaries as Bruce Weber, Peter Beard and Patrick Demarchelier. He has shot several features and covers for Downtown. 11 - RAQUEL SALAZAR - Born in Belo Horizonte, Brazil, Salazar received a compact camera from her father when she was a young girl. Her passion for visual arts and the fashion world took her to New York. She attended the Photography Program at New York Film Academy and developed an exceptional amount of skills in digital manipulation and retouching.

N E W S | S T Y L E | C U LT U R E | F O O D | G E A R

STYLE by Caisse Davis & Catie Perry

North Sails North Sails is dedicated to creating designs that evoke a sailing lifestyle, featuring clothing and accessories for both men and women. While the apparel is designed to resist wind and water, you do not have to necessarily be a sailing connoisseur to work this fashion. North Sails’ outerwear is casually stylish and lightweight, so whether you’re sailing the high seas or strolling through the waves of Downtown NYC, you’ll be sure to turn heads with confidence. – northsails.com

Isabel Jacket $400

Kellys Jacket $695

Scuola $248

Corto $228

M.Gemi

Pastoso $178

M.Gemi features beautiful handcrafted shoes from Italy, priding itself on being the first “postluxury” brand. With a modern philosophy, M.Gemi embraces luxury and old-world craftsmanship while staying true to modernity and the ever-changing fashion industry. All shoes are handmade in Italy, promising new limited-edition looks for women every Monday to ensure you never go out of style. Men’s shoes are updated seasonally, but still cater to the demand of the high-quality trends. With M.Gemi shoes, you get the best of both worlds—what’s hot on the runways today, with oldschool reliability. – mgemi.com

On the Go Handbag - $210 Saks Downtown

Annelise Michelson Necklace $560

Saks Fifth Avenue, located in Downtown’s Brookfield Place, opened its doors in early September 2016 featuring an improved boutique design that’s capturing consumers’ attention in the midst of Downtown’s fashion revolution. Rather than separate departments designated for each product, Saks Fifth Avenue has designed its store where clothing and accessories coexist with one other among the racks. This concept allows customers to have a smoother shopping experience, coordinating their purchases within reach instead of visiting each department separately. Saks’ revamped vision also incorporates the designs of up-andcoming fashion designers, bringing a new depth to the brand that boasts inclusivity while staying true to the renowned high-end experience. – saksfifthavenue.com

Of Rare Origin Earrings $1,850 10

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Perfect Match Watch $180

Folli Follie Folli Follie offers modern fashionable jewelry, watches and accessories to bring out the sunny side of women—now in the heart of Downtown at their newest Flagship boutique in Westfield World Trade Center. The brand’s core philosophy is the original design and sale of a fun, versatile, and affordable luxury collection designed to meet the varied and dynamic needs of trend-conscious consumers worldwide. The unique brand has exquisite pieces to match everything in your closet. From delicate necklaces and cute, functional watches to stylish leather bags and backpacks, Folli Follie will upgrade your winter wardrobe and get you ready for warm spring styles in no time. – follifollie.us.com

N E W S | S T Y L E | C U LT U R E | F O O D | G E A R

CULTURE by Caisse Davis

Venetian Valentine Commedia Masked Ball Come one, come all to the Venetian Valentine Commedia Masked Ball. The soirée will be held in Brooklyn on Feb. 11, featuring baroque dancing, live music, burlesque and more. This extravagant ball honors the Carnevale di Venezia in Italy as part of Carnegie Hall’s citywide festival “La Serenissima: Music and Arts from the Venetian Republic.” You can purchase your ticket ranging from $60 to $450 for more exclusive packages. New York’s “fantasy” architects Dances of Vice and Company XIV are spearheading this rendezvous. Both are experienced in the worlds of nightlife, baroque and burlesque to ensure the ball will be a night for New Yorkers to remember.

New Museum Exhibit in February 2017 In February, a new exhibition will open at the New Museum dedicated to Raymond Pettibon’s work as an artist. Pettibon has chronicled the history, mythology and culture of America in drawings and textual interplay, “evok[ing] the country’s shifting values across time.” The exhibition will occupy the three main floors of the museum, at 235 Bowery, making it the largest presentation of Pettibon’s work ever. Spend a day in February taking a journey through America’s past through a different perspective, featuring over 700 of Pettibon’s drawings from the 1960s to the present.

Art on Paper In March, Art on Paper will return to Downtown Manhattan’s Pier 36 for the third time. Art on Paper will feature new installations of sculptures, drawings, paintings and more using only paper as their medium. The unique art fair presents the idea that paper can be used to create complex pieces of art, rather than simply providing something to write on. The fair will take place on March 2-5.

PAGE TURNERS Sarah Jio, Always Sarah Jio, New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, will debut her new novel, “Always,” in February. “Always” tells the story of a journalist who has everything she could ever imagine—a caring fiancé, a great job and good fortune—until she stumbles upon a homeless man who turns out to be the past love of her life. Faced with a decision between the past and the present, “Always” is a story of true love and the sacrifices that come with it. Jio’s novel hits bookstands Feb. 7.

Estelle Lefébure, Mindful Beauty Estelle Lefébure, French model, actress and former cover girl of top fashion magazines, debuted her new book in December 2016 titled, “Mindful Beauty: How to Look and Feel Great in Every Season.” Based on her own experiences, Lefébure features step-by-step natural health and beauty tips to ensure you live a holistic and enjoyable life at every turn of the season. Each chapter is filled with useful information on beauty, nutrition, fitness and more, promising a “mindful philosophy” you can carry out in your everyday life.

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FOOD by Caisse Davis

OatMeals Whoever said oatmeal had to be boring? In Greenwich Village, you’ll find OatMeals, New York’s first all-oatmeal cafe with a different perspective on oats. Think froyo shop, except with oats as the base. OatMeals uses 100% all-natural, whole grain, steel-cut oats—only the best to satisfy the customers. Options range from sweet to savory and everything in between; some include peanut butter banana or a truffle honey cheese flavor. Enjoy winter with a hot bowl of OatMeals, sure to warm you right up. – oatmealsny.com

La Maison du Chocolat/Petrossian La Maison is reinventing the way we see chocolate. Known for their rich and bold flavors, highlighting essences of citrus, blackcurrant and roasted coffee to name a few, they are always pleasantly challenging our chocolate hearts. More recently, La Maison has partnered up with Petrossian to feature a limited-edition flavor of chocolate, infused with caviar and vodka. These unexpected pairings are actually rich and buttery in flavor and packs that sweet and salty punch that’s craved worldwide. As Valentine’s Day approaches, consider one of La Maison’s chocolate gift boxes that will be sure to impress your special someone. – lamaisonduchocolat.us

Blends by Orly Flours Getting busy in the kitchen is one of our favorite pastimes as the temperature drops. Forget all about pre-made pie dough and breads from the supermarket—challenge yourself by making foods from scratch! Blends by Orly gluten-free flour provides the perfect mixture as a wheat flour substitute for all of your baked goods. Blends by Orly gluten-free flour provides the perfect mixture as a wheat flour substitute for all of your baked goods, from Tuscany blend for pizza crust and bread, to a Sydney blend for cakes and pastries. With Blends by Orly, you have unlimited options for baking and making your favorite tasty creations gluten-free this season. – blendsbyorly.com

Blue Moose of Boulder & Brazi Bites Mom always said never show up to a party empty-handed. Especially to a Super Bowl party! Luckily, Blue Moose of Boulder is a growing brand that provides delicious hummus, dips and spreads using all-natural ingredients. Some tasty products include Green Chile Hummus, Tex-Mex Smoked Gouda Cheese Spread and Basil Pesto. Looking for a gluten-free pair up? Brazi Bites—frozen pieces of Brazilian cheese bread—work great for scooping up the delicious dips. They’re even easy to prepare: pop the bites in the oven for about 20 minutes. The perfect pairing for snacking through any party. – bluemooseofboulder.com brazibites.com

Molly’s Bakeovers Holiday season may be over, but the cookie-craving somehow lingers. Molly’s Bakeovers cookies are “makeovers” on the traditional cookie, ensuring common food allergens are nowhere near the kitchen. These bite-sized cookies are nutritious and tasty for everyone, featuring flavors such as apple pie, blueberry and chocolate chip. They’re yummy and healthy, allowing you to indulge without feeling guilty. Milk and cookies has never sounded so appealing. – bakeovers.com

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Farm to People Tired of carrying around heavy grocery bags, especially in frigid weather? Farm to People is just the service you need: a grocery box delivered straight to your door featuring monthly seasonal treats from farmers and artisanal producers from across the country. Farm to People is all about letting its consumers know exactly where their food is coming from. All ingredients are non-GMO, non-artificial and made in small batches to ensure great detail and passion has been put into every product. Get the farmers market experience without leaving the comfort of your own home. – farmtopeople.com

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GEAR by Catie Perry

The Abom Goggle When you’re speeding down a mountain of pristine snow with the wind whipping at your face at every turn, the last thing you want to worry about is fog. These goggles from Abom use defrosting technology and a heat-conductive film to erase any fog from your view. The stylish goggles are the newest this season and will protect your eyes and clear your vision. Whether you’re a beginner or a veteran on the slopes, Abom’s anti-fog goggles will help keep your sight fixed on the task at hand: getting safely down the mountain fast, with crystal clear vision. – abom.com

Momentum Wireless Headphones Pamper your ears with these new headphones from Sennheiser. The world famous company, known for making the highest quality headphones in the world— Orpheus Headphones—Sennheiser now brings their luxury experience into wireless headphones. These Bluetooth connected headphones are sure to improve your day, whether using them for a conference call or relaxing to music. Made from the highest quality materials, including stainless steel and leather, these headphones perfectly shape around your ears to block out any outside noise and leave you to fully focus on your listening experience. – sennheiser.com

Check Wool and Leather Touch Screen Gloves Burberry’s new Check Wool and Leather Touch Screen Gloves are the perfect accessory for walking through the wintery streets of Downtown. While touch screen gloves have been around for a while, they’ve never been this fashionable nor comfortable. The imported leather is soft and smooth, ideal for using your mobile device, while the sophisticated colors (navy and charcoal) are guaranteed to match every item in your closet. Lined with cashmere, the comfy gloves are an elegant twist on a functional winter accessory. Burberry gives you a gallant solution to keep your hands warm while replying to emails and texts out in the winter cold. – burberry.com

Cadillac CT6 Introduced in April 2016, the Cadillac CT6 is a prestige car that combines the newest technology with comfort and style. This year, the classic sedan model gets an upgrade with the latest tech, including a 360-degree surround camera and an activated Rear Camera Mirror for your safety. Coming soon in 2017: an all-new plug-in hybrid model of the CT6, doubling its efficiency. Though packed with special features, the CT6 manages to be one of the world’s lightest and most agile full-size luxury performance sedans. And the quietest too! The Cadillac CT6 makes for an exhilarating and smooth driving experience—even in NYC. – cadillac.com

Wilson X Connected Football While it may look and feel like a regular football, the Wilson X is the next generation of sports tech. The ball has sensors that track everything from speed and distance to spiral efficiency. It’s even able to know whether it has been thrown or dropped. The ball is perfect for tossing around with family or friends for a fun and active afternoon in the park— especially as a warmup to the upcoming Super Bowl. The ball is connected to your phone through the Wilson X Football App. You can use the app to compare stats with your friends and compete with each other, updating a classic game of toss into an interactive video game. – wilson.com

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SOCIAL | OUT AND ABOUT

OUT AND ABOUT by Joe Alexander 1 Tony Ingrao curated Blue Heaven, a contemporary furniture exhibition at R & Company. r-and-company.com 2 Tony Danza led the applause for singers Karen King and Patrizio Buanne at the Highline Ballroom. The concert benefited the Boys’ and Girls’ Towns of Italy. bgti.org 3 Silvia Frieser, Michael Pecnik and Laine Siklos hosted a kickoff for the Viennese Opera Ball, which will be held at the Waldorf on February 10. vienneseoperaball. us 4 Daniel Boulud and Herb Karlitz organized a tribute dinner honoring the late, legendary chef Roger Vergé at Chelsea Piers to benefit The Culinary Institute of New York in Hyde Park. karlitz.com 5 Event planner Harriette Rose Katz and The Chosen Few hosted a photography show by Michael Jurick titled INFRARED at The Glasshouses. hrkchosenfew.com 6 Morphew, the luxury vintage clothing shop, founded by Bridgette Morphew and Jason Lyon, had a presentation of iconic pieces including Dior, Chanel, Versace and Jean Paul Gaultier. morphewconcepts.com 7 Shannon Elizabeth and Jean Shafiroff attended the Pet Hero Awards founded by Jewel Morris at Gotham Hall. Chaired by Georgina Bloomberg and Prince Lorenzo Borghese, the night honored Alison Eastwood, Naomi Judd and Katie Cleary. petphilanthropycircle.org 8 Lauren Bush Lauren and The FEED Foundation were toasted at a party hosted by her mother Sharon Bush at the opening of the NY Art, Antique & Jewelry Show at Pier 94. feedprojects.com 9 Ambassador Stephen Benko and Sylvia Hemingway hosted a concert for the Friends of the Budapest Festival Orchestra, which was a preview of the full orchestra’s appearance at Lincoln Center in February. bfz.hu 10 Fashionistas and animal advocates Arden Wohl and Leesa Rowland held a party for Animal Ashram’s pet supply drive for city shelters. animalashram.com

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C OV E R L A U N C H PA R T Y | S O C I A L

COV E R L AU N C H PA RT Y Photography by Sophie Kietzmann

Thomas Carreras and Michael Law (Four Seasons Hotel Downtown), contributing editor Denise Courter, Grace A. Capobianco and Peter Humig (Four Seasons Hotel Downtown)

n Oct. 18, 2016, Downtown Magazine held its cover launch party honoring Mr. Larry Silverstein gracing the fall cover. The party was held at the Four Seasons Private Residences at 30 Park Pl. in TriBeCa in one of the newlyfinished penthouses. Guests enjoyed hors d’oeuvres and champagne to stunning views of Lower Manhattan. As a special surprise for Mr. Silverstein, Downtown Magazine prepared two gifts: a tribute video with friends, family and pillars in the Downtown community talking about Silverstein’s dedication, perseverance and importance in rebuilding Lower Manhattan, as well as an intimate classical concert by Downtown’s CEO and Publisher Grace A. Capobianco’s dear friend, renowned Irish violinist Gregory Harrington accompanied by cellists Jay Tilton and Ani Kalayjian.

Rory McCreesh (Duce Construction Corporation) Louise Kathy Wells & Dr. Scott Wells Fashion Designer Chiara Boni, Grace A. Capobianco, Aleksandra Lacka (Insights Studio) and Alejandra Cicognani (A. Cicognani Communications) Phillips Forbes (Halstead Property), Michael Kirchmann (GDSNY) and Richard Johnson (Halstead Property)

Linda Harvey and Nicholas W. Allard (Brooklyn Law School), Grace A. Capobianco, Sean P. Moriarty (Brooklyn Law School) and Marla Allard

Grace A. Capobianco, Ernie Anastos (Fox 5), Karen Dome (CBC Advisors) and Faith Hope Consolo (Douglas Elliman)

Grace A. Capobianco & Elisabeth Holder Raberin (Ladurée U.S)

Leonard Boxer (Stroock & Stroock & Lavan)

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DOWNTOWN

PERSPECTIVE

This breathtaking panorama of Lower Manhattan, taken from 50 West St., shows the power and beauty of the Freedom Tower. With the twin Reflecting Pools in the foreground, the bright lights of this majestic new landmark and its surrounding buildings are a testament to the vibrancy of Downtownâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s rebirth. Photography by Tony Shi

POWER COUPLE | INSIGHT

Elisabeth Holder Raberin & Pierre Antoine Raberin The owners of Ladurée SoHo have whipped up the perfect recipe to balance a busy work schedule with family life in Downtown. by Eva Maria Troester Photography by Philippe Reynaud

aking a Sunday stroll through SoHo, you’ll find its own little piece of Paris. The Ladurée tea salon, bakery and restaurant stands as authentic Parisian as its famous sister on the ChampsElysées—both inside and out. From the quaint bakery shop in the front to its backyard patio, the design makes you forget the big city and takes you right to France. It was carefully designed by Ladurée’s Paris team to stay true to its spectacular and notably French feel, sweet pastels and impeccable design. “My husband and I were in the trenches every minute until completion,” Elisabeth Holder Raberin, copresident of Ladurée U.S. said. Since its opening in February 2014, the Parisian husband-and-wife team of Elisabeth Holder Raberin and Pierre Antoine Raberin have been running the iconic SoHo tea salon. Holder Raberin’s family bought the original little Ladurée bakery on Rue Royale in 1997, but it’s been in her blood long before that. “We used to go there for lunch every Saturday when my brother was studying in Paris,” she remembered and explained, “You don’t discover Ladurée, you grow up with it in France.” While neither Elisabeth Holder Raberin nor Pierre Antoine started out in the pastry business, she describes it as an easy transition. “I used to work at Hermès—so the attention and love of detail and craftsmanship are the same, and they are both family businesses with the same values.” While working closely with your significant other isn’t always stress-free, the couple makes it look as sweet and elegant as their famous macarons. The secret? “An ironclad prenup agreement, loads of love and patience—and remembering family is what matters at the end of the day,” Holder Raberin told Downtown.

The entire team reads like family itself, the staff being mostly French, especially their famous trio of chefs, Nicolas Haelewyn, Jimmy Leclerc and Fabien Brunet, who have been with Ladurée for years. Through their culinary creations they manage to bring France to Downtown. The team works closely together to combine the two lifestyles in a FrenchAmerican fusion, not only in the pastries, but the menu overall. “I love my avocado toast. I worked with the chef on adding it to the menu; it is the perfect example of staying French but eating like a New Yorker,” the chic Parisian said. Family, passion and devotion are key ingredients—they have to be in order for the owners to balance the many hours that go into running SoHo Ladurée with raising 7-year-old twin boys and being busy with friends, family and events. “I live and breathe Ladurée—it is my family business, I work with my husband and I love what I do. So it is more than a work day, it is a lifestyle,” the savvy businesswoman explained and added, “But what is sure is that our days begin with our kids, as much as it’s possible.” Living mere steps from Ladurée’s SoHo shop also allows this power couple to combine work and personal life in an easier way. They love the downtown area, its endless possibilities and convenience—and there was never much doubt about where to open Ladurée’s second NYC location. “We knew that we wanted to be Downtown. It is like a second city within Manhattan. Two different ways of life in the same city!” Having lived in the city for five years, the couple has adjusted well to the New York way of life—maybe a little too well? “We love being Parisian in New York, and actually now I feel like a New Yorker whenever I go to Paris,” Holder Raberin said. 

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A View from the Top of the Four Seasons Private Residences With a breathtaking look over Lower Manhattan, the interiors of the luxury homes on the top floors of the new Four Seasons Downtown are perfectly decorated to match the exceptional views. by Eva Maria Troester Photography by Pavel Bendov

he Four Seasons, synonymous with luxury hotel stays, offers more than temporary affluent accommodations. Unknown to many, the Four Seasons Private Residences are featured at several of their U.S. as well as international hotels. And with the Four Seasons Downtown at Thirty Park Place in TriBeCa, New Yorkers finally have that same option of luxury living—to live high in Lower Manhattan. Views of the Freedom Tower, Hudson River and Brooklyn Bridge, as well as the exterior designed by Robert A. M. Stern Architects, made it a rather daunting task to tackle the décor; Silverstein Properties—the developers of the 82-story building—wanted to make

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sure the insides highlighted the outside views yet still had an intimate feeling. Downtown had a chance to talk interior design with the two architect and design firms in charge of the model apartments, Jeffrey Beers International and Robert Couturier, who decorated respectively one of the four-bedroom apartments and one of the penthouses of Thirty Park Place.

A modern yet traditional feel

When Jeffrey Beers and his team first stepped foot in the four-bedroom apartment, they were instantly struck by the view and knew

INTERIOR DESIGN | INSIGHT

Top three design tips from

Jeffrey Beers

Robert Couturier

Separate the public space from the private space.

Dream about the spaces.

Make the kitchen the heart of the public space.

Sit in them and let the proportions work with your feelings.

Invest in lighting that can be controlled to suit the time of day and the mood.

Absolutely do not listen to what your friends have to say. Trust yourself!

that the décor had to incorporate the sights. “We wanted the color palette, furniture and accents to all highlight the surrounding scenery,” Beers explained. “Anything too bright or theatrical would be a distraction and would take away from the experience of living on the 70th floor,” he added. To choose the décor of the four-bedroom model apartment, they collaborated closely with Lisa Silverstein, senior vice president of Silverstein Properties. They wanted to understand the building’s core market—the potential buyer’s needs, style and taste. “We had to strike a balance between a modern and fresh look and an elegant, homey and traditional feeling,” Beers said. “We paired high-end pieces, like linen wallcovering from Maharam, with contemporary pieces such as light fixtures from RH Modern.”

“We want the design to be functional, comfortable and most importantly reflect our client’s personality and lifestyle,” Beers said. “I listen to what the clients want, adapt their desires to the spaces, try to find furniture and objects that work together, work out the furniture plans and the elevations, flush it out with the clients, give it a second go and slowly get to a final product,” Couturier explained about his process. “We are in a strange design place, not yet put off by the old and not entirely in the new; it seems that there is no serious direction anywhere. Maybe it is good, as it is leaving people to do what suits them rather than what is fashionable,” he finished. 

Elevated elegance Taking the elevator up a few floors leads you into one of the four penthouses, 78A. With great space and a magnificent view from the 78th floor, Robert Couturier and his team focused on the natural light and the high ceilings, yet kept a sense of intimacy. The penthouse, with five bedrooms and six-and-a-half bathrooms spread over two floors, provided much room to fill. They decorated the space beautifully, choosing golden notes throughout the rooms and common areas, to add a sense of warmth and personality. For this space, Couturier and his team worked with Cristina Grajales Gallery. “She represents contemporary designers like [Christophe] Côme, whom I have to admit is one of my very favorites. He mixes architecture with textures and design in a way that is modern and traditional,” Couturier said. However beautiful the interiors are, it was the outside space that left Couturier in awe. “Although I have terrible fear of heights the loggia is, by far, the most stunning part of the apartment!” Couturier stated. The loggia—an open balcony—looks over Downtown, and Couturier and his team added cozy seating areas to utilize the balcony as a place to not only enjoy the views but also enjoy the sweep of air, the calm and the serenity of the height.

Space, setting and clientele Whenever Beers or Couturier start a new project, they go into it from a new perspective. The process is never the same, because each space and each client is different. It is about understanding the architecture and the setting and then knowing how to decorate it to match the client’s wishes and needs.

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Real Estate and Teamwork in TriBeCa Douglas Elliman’s Andrew Azoulay on his team and finding a niche in the real estate market. by Darren Paltrowitz Photography by Jonathan Grassi

major player in the Downtown high-end real estate market, Andrew Azoulay and his team are known for providing white-glove service. Based on Franklin Street—with additional offices in Bridgehampton and Aspen—Azoulay and team have created a niche in helping top athletes get situated in New York City. Clients include NBA stars like Deron Williams, Jason Kidd and Richard Jefferson and Major League Baseball All-Star Masahiro Tanaka. Current listings of Azoulay’s include the penthouse at 35 North Moore Street, the remaining units in 52 Lispernard Street, and 471 Washington Avenue; Kim Kardashian and Kanye West recently spent a month in the penthouse of the aforementioned 471 Washington. Beyond the traditional work of showing properties, the Andrew Azoulay Team and the Farrell Building Company are partnering up in

a unique way to show high-end Hamptons homes in Downtown Manhattan. They will be opening up a pop-up shop at 11 Hubert Street in TriBeCa, hosting events and showcasing Farrell homes while serving Hamptons specialties such as coffee from the Hampton Coffee Company and rosé from Wölffer Estate Vineyard. Downtown: Where did the idea for your team specializing in high-networth individuals come from? Andrew Azoulay: It wasn’t my original idea. I was fortunate enough, when I started the business three years ago, to have a relationship with the Brooklyn Nets and their management and I was able to relocate a lot of their players to Downtown TriBeCa, which quickly put me in that market. And then we just continued that path.

R E A L E S TAT E | I N S I G H T

DT: So how is what you do different from what other brokers have to offer? Why would someone use your team specifically?

DT: Are there particular amenities in a building that may interest an athlete?

AA: When you hire me on the luxury side, you get me… We’re 24/7, we’re always available. And that’s the unique part about my team. We feel like we offer a different level of service than other brokers do. We go the extra mile, whether you’re on the listing side or whether you’re on the buyer side… We do whatever we have to do to make our clients lives a lot easier and to make the process easier.

AA: Parking and privacy are probably the most important. A lot of people would think that athletes want gyms and places to train in their building; most of those guys train in their own facilities. So no matter what gym you put in a building, it’s not going to compare to what they have in their own training facilities.

DT: Who is on your team? AA: There’s myself. Then there’s Silke Tsitiridis with an incredible flair for luxury and value. There’s Doug Travaglione, who came from the Upper West Side office, who also specializes on the Upper East and Upper West Side, and Ryan Dichter, who actually spent the last 10 years working for Ralph Lauren; he managed The Polo Bar and understands the level of customer service I think our clients and his clients at that point needed. We have a couple people who specialize on the lower tier of the market and the rental side, which is Yuliya [Sysevich] and Shari [Matluck]. Brian [Dickinson], who kind of keeps everything together for the team, handles all of our reports, handles all of our clients’ weekly reports, who was in the apartment, what our market looks like, our trends, who’s looking at the apartment, who’s not. And then we have Blake [Merdinger], who also handles the Upper East Side and does a lot of Long Island and Hamptons properties. DT: How do athletes compare as clients to other high-net-worth individuals? AA: I think they’re very similar, both athletes and high-net-worth individuals. We treat all of our clients the same. Their time is very valuable and what we need to do is make it easier for them. So really, it’s the same mentality. When you’re at the top of your game or a top CEO, no matter what profession or team you play for, they all pretty much have the same needs.

DT: What specifically draws you to the downtown area as a broker? AA: The people. I’ve been living in TriBeCa and Hudson Square since after 9/11. It’s got one of the greatest vibes in Manhattan. You feel like you’re in a neighborhood, it’s hard to walk down the street without saying hello to 15 people. Try doing that on 37th and 5th… It’s not easy. DT: How did you wind up becoming a broker? Was real estate that always the plan for you? AA: I spent 15 years in the clothing business before I got into the real estate business, manufactured children’s clothing… Our company got sold and I decided that it was a dying industry. I wanted to reinvent myself. At that time, I was living in Richard Jefferson’s apartment, who played for the Nets, on Hudson Street. He called and told me, that he had decided to sell it and asked me if I could recommend a good broker in TriBeCa. I said, “I know a great one. He knows the neighborhood and apartment like the back of his hand. Give me 90 days to get my license and I’ll call you back.” I listed the apartment and sold it. It was my first listing and we sold it quick… Shortly after that, we were fortunate enough to relocate Jason Kidd, Deron Williams, Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce. That kind of just pulled me into the business fast. DT: Are there any recent additions to the downtown area that you’re particularly excited about? AA: I really like 111 Murray, I think it’s a great product. And I like all of the redevelopment around Hudson Square that’s happening right now, like 70 Charlton and 15 Renwick. DT: When not busy with work, how do you like to spend your free time? AA: When I’m not with my family—my wife and my daughter—or my friends, I’m a big sports fan. I love going to the games. My family and I also spend a lot of time in our Farrell home. DT: And are there particular restaurants or places you like to go in the area? AA: I would make a horrible fugitive; it’s very easy to find me and my family. You can either find us at Wolfgang’s or Mr. Chow—or if it’s on the weekend—we’ll be at Bubby’s and Il Mattone. We definitely don’t stray too far from the neighborhood.

The Andrew Azoulay team from left to right: Ryan Dichter, Silke Tsitiridis, Charles Persico, Shari Matluck, Andrew Azoulay, Douglas Travaglione, Yuliya Sysevich, Blake Merdinger and Brian Dickinson

INSIGHT | INTERIOR DESIGN

Cozy Up When winter comes around, so does the desire to stay cozy and warm. Here are some tips for decorating a cabin or bringing that cabin-esque feel to your city apartment. by Catie Perry Photography by Deborah DeGraffenreid

hen you think of living in New York, you might think of Carrie Bradshaw’s iconic walk-up or the famous apartment in Friends. As much as we enjoy city life, sometimes we need a change of scenery, especially in the winter. The cure to winter in the city just might be finding a cozy cabin complete with a fireplace and hot cocoa. New Yorkers are often looking for “a more casual, laid-back look and feel” when they seek out a cabin design, said Drew Lang, founder and principal architect at Lang Architecture, who has many clients looking for a place to relax and get away from their routine. He also sees a desire for “a connection with nature” from clients. He recommends aspects like floor-to-ceiling windows to get maximum light and views of nature. Exposed beams or slatted walls also give the feeling that the outdoors is pleasantly incorporated into the framework. Just because it’s a cabin, doesn’t mean you have to live rustically. Add a heated entryway floor to welcome guests and upgrade your bathroom with a rain showerhead. When designing, add wood finishes and leather touches to get a luxe lodge vibe. For decorating your cabin, make a room’s focal point a table made from driftwood or a rug of natural fibers. Sheepskin throws and handmade furniture are especially trendy this season, according to Lang. You can use muted and earthy colors—like brick red, spruce green or even denim blue—

in wall paint, tapestries, furniture, drapes, centerpieces and other decor. Keep that crisp, tailored feel by balancing rustic design aspects with neutral tones and modern touches. Even if you don’t have a vacation home, there’s no need to be jealous! You can bring small elements into your city apartment to give it that cozy cabin feel. Add mixed materials for a more eclectic look. Lang suggests using natural wood furniture: “Seek out individual craftsmen or use brands such as Carl Hansen & Son.” In your living room, if you have a fireplace, make it the focal point instead of a TV. This trend has been growing in popularity and it creates a tech-free, warm and social

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environment. And add lots of throws and pillows, perfect for cuddle weather. Looking to the kitchen, use high quality wood bowls, as well as cutting boards and utensils—these are both functional and beautiful. “I love Kaufmann Mercantile and Nalata Nalata for home accessories,” said Lang. Small additions like dried flowers, woven baskets, potted plants and more help bring the outdoor feeling inside. Lang also recommends adding pine cones and cinnamon sticks for a seasonal, winter feel and aroma. These are simple, quick design changes that will be easy to update when spring comes along in a couple of months! 

Rashad JENNINGS

The Driving Force Behind the New York Giants Running Back

by Jackie Hart Photography by Philippe Reynaud

After being drafted in the seventh round by the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2009 and playing in Oakland in 2013, Rashad Jennings has found his niche in New York.

Art Direction: Marina Barlage | Stylist: Vesna Savcic | Makeup: dnicole | Photo Assistant: Raquel Salazar | Jacket: John Varvatos

COV E R STO RY | R A S H A D J E N N I N G S

was one of the star athletes at his high school during his time. However, their relationship didn’t really begin until Jennings approached his father to stop smoking and drinking. “I remember he looked at me and said, ‘Rashad, what do you want to do when you get older?’ I looked at him and said, ‘I want to play running back in the NFL.’ And he took a sip of his drink and said, ‘Do you think you will be able to make it to the NFL without smoking or drinking yourself?’ And I said, ‘Yeah,’” Jennings recalls. To this day, Jennings says he has never taken a drink nor smoked a day in his life. The motivation behind his father telling him that he wouldn’t be able to was the driving force not only for Jenning’s career, but also for his father. He says that being able to prove his father wrong led his dad to quit drinking and smoking on the same day. “That moment was the truest bond we had had with each other, because we both saved each other,” Jennings says. Jennings’s discipline and will to succeed translates to his accomplishments on and off the field. While maintaining a spot on the Giants roster at the age of 31 is a feat in itself, Jennings credits his strict diet, along with other rituals, with enabling him to keep up with the hustle of the NFL. For example, a standout feature in his home is an $18,000 hyperbaric oxygen chamber that Jennings uses to “rejuvenate and energize [his] body.” “I maintain a strict gluten-free, caseinfree organic diet. I have a personal chef that cooks for me, and I take naps in the hyperbaric chamber,” Jennings says. “I try to nap in it at least an hour daily, and I’ll sleep in it overnight if it’s been a long week or weekend and my body needs extra time to heal itself. When you wake up, you really feel the difference.” The care for his body translates to his influence and success on the field. One of the things Jennings is most known for is his pregame dance ritual, which he describes as a way to get into the zone, and how being a running back is almost like a dance. In fact, some of his teammates—and opponents— have begun to emulate at least parts of Jennings’s intricate regimen. “You know, like dodging tackles and players, moving left and right, zig-zagging up and down the field; football is like a dance in itself,” he says. “I developed the routine as a way to avoid injury and to help me focus mentally. Getting the body awake, engaged and prepared for 60 minutes of pro football is important.” Additionally, his veteran status, quiet leadership and down-to-earth personality

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“I was overweight, had glasses, suffered from asthma and I was a fifth-string running back that rode the bench throughout my entire high school career.”

Sweatsuit: Sacai | Boots: Fracap

ntering the home of Rashad Jennings in Secaucus, New Jersey, located right across from MetLife Stadium, you wouldn’t think of it as a typical home for a New York Giants running back. Modest, yet simple and sophisticated, the home mirrors its owner in almost every aspect. A guitar sits in its stand in the corner of the living room, and a chess set sits out in his office, adjacent to the living room. According to Jennings, these are just some of the things he enjoys when not playing football—unconventional for a man in his position, which can also be said of his road to the NFL. Jennings describes himself as a “270-pound overweight kid all throughout high school.” “I was overweight, had glasses, suffered from asthma and I was a fifth-string running back who rode the bench throughout my entire high school career,” Jennings says. “I didn’t play a game until the last game of my junior year, when all the other running backs ahead of me went down because of injuries… the coach even tried putting in the wide receiver to run a few plays before he gave me a chance!” Little did he know at the time, that final game of his junior year of high school (in Forest, Virginia) was the start of something life-changing for Jennings. He recalls being approached by a scout from the University of Tennessee after the game, in which he ran for a 30-yard touchdown on his first handoff of the game and scored three more touchdowns, two of them while playing defense. “The scout [from Tennessee] approached me and said, ‘Rashad, I came to watch the starting running back, but I couldn’t help but notice you,’ and he asked me how my grades were, and I looked at him and told him the truth,” Jennings remembers. “I said, ‘I have a 0.6 GPA.’” However, that was the fire Jennings needed to get his life back on track. He ended up transferring to a private school where his two older brothers worked as coaches. He initially attended the University of Pittsburgh as a freshman, where he was the starting running back before transferring to Liberty University which was closer to his home and family. “I took ownership and responsibility from then on for my academics, my weight, my attitude…and I luckily had my family behind me that supported me,” Jennings says. In particular, Jennings and his father, Albert, have a strong father-son bond. Hailing from Lynchburg, Virginia, his father

COV E R STO RY | R A S H A D J E N N I N G S

Jacket and shirt: John Varvatos

have made him the go-to guy in the locker room for rookies and younger players. Jennings says he keeps in frequent contact with all of his teammates even during the off-season. Off the field, Jennings dedicates most of his time to the Rashad Jennings Foundation, an organization that he started to inspire youth by making education fun through three main initiatives: The RJF Reading Challenge, mentorship and Camp 180. “I wanted to emphasize the importance of education, health and fitness. For me, those were the things that I personally struggled with as a kid, and wanted to inspire other kids to do the same and make life changes,” Jennings says. The Reading Challenge’s main goal is to get kids excited about reading. Since its start in 2010, 38 schools in Florida and New Jersey have participated—resulting in more than 176,000 books read. There are goals to continue to expand the program into the next year, according to the official foundation website. Another aspect of Jennings’s foundation, Camp 180, is a youth football summer camp that brings together current and former collegiate and professional athletes to equip young athletes with the skill set and mindset to help them on and off the field. Jennings’s post-NFL plans yet again surprise. He says that he wants to be a marriage counselor, putting to use his degree in psychology and sociology from Liberty University. “I think marriage is beautiful, and I think of what I want to do after football, and I’ve just seen so many marriages fail in my lifetime. It’s not something I would do immediately after my career, but it is a strong desire that I have down the road,” he says. Rashad Jennings is truly remarkable; he’s a one-of-a-kind gem, both on and off the field. 

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the future is

DOWN Photography by Philippe Reynaud Creative Director: Marina Barlage Location: 50 West Luxury Condominiums, New York City

Models: Victoria Cain/Red Models Management Jonathan Hannestad/Wilhelmina Dress: Hamel Jewelry: Barbara Novak Diamonds and GM Ideal

E D I T O R I A L | S T Y L E VA U LT

TOWN

Makeup: Brian Duprey For Mac Cosmetics/Judy Casey Hair: Louis Angelo/Judy Casey Fashion: Cannon/Judy Casey Fashion Assistant: Alexandra Lynn Special thanks to Sydney Oliver/Rewardrobe NYC Dress: Hamel Jewelry: Barbara Novak Diamonds

Coat & Pants: Jay Kos

Suit & Shirt: Sand

Top & Skirt: Georgine Top Corset: 0770 Cuff: Pluma

Dress: Maria Lucia Hohan Jewelry: Barbara Novak Diamonds and GM Ideal Shoes: Gianvito Rossi

Vest: Elena Bernarroch Pants: Georgine Jewelry: Gabriel & Co. Shoes: AlaĂŻa Gloves: Lacrasia

On Victoria Jacket & Skirt: Karolina Zmarlak Choker: Pluma On Jonathan Trench Coat, Shirt & Pants: Kenneth Ning

Dress: Shahista Lalani Trench: Pritch Jewelry: Le Vian

E D I T O R I A L | S T Y L E VA U LT

Top, Skirt & Necklace: Victoria Hayes Boots: Lodovico Zordanazzo

Model photo by Gian Andrea di Stefano | Stylist: Stephanie Guld | Makeup: dnicole | Model: Sarah Simmons Trujilloh/Wilhelmina | Pants and Vest: Tibi

B E A U T Y | S T Y L E VA U LT

L O

Windblown Beauty

by dnicole

e are always sure to make necessary adjustments to our winter wardrobe, but what about our beauty cabinets? “Love and compassion are necessities; without them humanity cannot survive,” said the Dalai Lama. Have a little compassion for yourself with a winter weather beauty focus and your whole body will thank you for it when spring arrives. Arm yourself with the knowledge needed to protect and preserve your skin and hair before allowing nature’s elements to do anything but nurture. Refresh your routine with a few simple steps to ensure your beauty remains radiant all season long.

IGK

Beach Club - Texture Spray $29 igkhair.com

IGK Amaro - Ombre Highlight Spray $29 igkhair.com

Moisture musts

Cold weather causes dehydration, which affects the entire body. Let’s begin by reminding ourselves to drink a lot of water. The body uses water in all its cells, organs and tissues to help regulate its temperature and maintain other bodily functions. Because your body loses water through breathing, sweating and digestion, it’s important to rehydrate by drinking fluids and eating foods that contain water: about eight glasses daily for women. Water hydrates from within, directly affecting your skin’s clarity and texture. Hair and nails will also become stronger and healthier when you maintain the proper amount of fluids. In addition to drinking water, you can combat dehydration in a few ways with beauty products. Amp up the potency of your moisturizer. Winter weather requires a heavier cream than the summer months. Look for a product that is multi-beneficial, nourishing and protecting.

IGK Rich Kid - Coconut Oil Gel $27 igkhair.com

IGK Smoke & Mirrors Conditioning Cleansing Oil $29 igkhair.com

CHARLOTTE TILBURY Multi-Miracle Glow - Cleanser, Mask & Balm $60 charlottetilbury.com

Weather proofed

Want to keep a fresh dewy-faced look throughout the windy chill of winter? Let your eyes do the talking. Try a lasting eye look with a waterproof cream eye shadow topped with a touch of gloss. Any emollient-based clear lip product you have is worth a try—the less sticky, the better for longer lasting coverage. Add a sweep of waterproof mascara to top off the look.

CHRISTOPHE ROBIN Detangling Hair Brush $97 us.christophe-robin.com

ORIBE Soft Dry Conditioner Spray $36 oribe.com

Prepare your hair

Be ready whenever the wind blows. Here at Downtown we like to have a game plan for the city’s curve balls and what it means for our look. Know your hair and plan ahead for weather restricted options. For example, wind in your hair? Take your look to the tropics and go for a beachy vibe. Think bouncy waves and living texture. Creating a little messy look with intent is great for the windy days, where it will add some volume to your look rather than destroying your tight up-do. Utilize a lightweight product formulated to block humidity with nourishing ingredients that add moisture and sheen. Healthy hair is happy hair—wind, rain or shine.

ORIBE Shampoo for Moisture & Control $45 oribe.com

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Model photo by Philippe Reynaud | Art Director: Marina Barlage Fashion Stylist: Angele Blank | Hair: David Cotteblanche | Model: Jake Filling/New York Models | Suit: Duca Sartoria NY

G R O O M I N G | S T Y L E VA U LT

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Guy’s Grooming Guide: Winter 101 by dnicole

“T

ry not to become a man of success, but rather become a man of value,” said by the late, great Albert Einstein. Very humbling and sound advice. Who’s to say you shouldn’t look incredible doing so? Keeping it dapper as the frigid temperatures are hanging over the city goes beyond great hair and a bow tie. Harsh winter weather can pose some challenges. Not to fear! With a little knowledge and a bit of preparation, you’ll have the winter winds of New York whipped. Let’s discuss a few things you‘ll want to look out for as the deep freeze sets in. Not all skin is created equal. In fact, men’s skin is naturally tougher, often making it more resilient than women’s skin. But constant abuse from the elements and shaving can take its toll on your skin. Dryness, redness and razor bumps are only a few ailments gentlemen have to battle. Here’s how to keep ahead of the game by being in tune with your personal maintenance needs.

TOM FORD Skincare & Grooming Gift Set - Oil-Free Daily Moisturizer - Exfoliating Energy Body Scrub - Oud Wood All Over Body Spray $218 tomford.com

FOREO LUNA 2 Facial Scrubber for Men $199 foreo.com

BEARDBRAND

Cleanse with a soap-free cleanser to ensure there is no residue left behind, which will further dehydrate the skin. You can even tap into technology by using a pulsating cleansing device designed to cleanse and stimulate cell regeneration.

Be smart about what you keep in your toiletries bag. Opt for products that give you nourishing ingredients and multifunctional benefits.

Lip service Invest in a quality lip treatment that penetrates deep into the layers of your skin. Flaky lips are never appealing. The preventive measures you take now will carry your lips through a chapped-free winter.

Keep the healthy glow of the sun close and your bronzer even closer Ultra-lightweight, water-based, gel bronzers look like a wash of sunshine mixed with water—super simple to blend and completely natural looking. Rub your fingers together to warm up the product and simply tap onto the skin wherever you might naturally get sun. Be careful not to overdo it and step back from the mirror to check for balance of color. You’ll have everyone wondering what’s given you such a healthy glow in the chill of winter.

Brow Gel Comb $45 tomford.com

Beardsman’s Grooming Kit $200 beardbrand.com

Wash away more than the day

Multifunctional products save you time and money

Bronzing Gel $48 tomford.com

IGK Mistress Hydrating Hair Balm $27 igkhair.com

OUAI Medium Hair Spray $26 theouai.com Matte Pomade $24 theouai.com

HOURGLASS No 28 Lip Treatment Oil $44 hourglasscosmetics.com

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Protecting Your Skin From Winter Woes by Albert Lefkovits, MD Photography by Philippe Reynaud

he balmy days of summer are a distant memory and we are approaching the busy social whirl of the holiday season. In order to keep our skin looking its radiant and beautiful best, we need to take steps to combat the effects of winter weather on our skin. Although sun exposure becomes greatly reduced at this time of year, outdoor sports such as skiing or even jogging on sunny days continue to make sunscreen application a top priority. Do yourself a favor and apply it every day, rain or shine, until it becomes a part of your daily routine. This simple step is vital in keeping your skin youthful and smooth and lowers your risk of skin cancer. Winter weather presents a particular challenge in keeping skin healthy and glowing, especially for those suffering from rosacea. At this time of year, certain rosacea triggers are much more prevalent. These include extremes of hot and cold temperatures, heavily spiced foods, red wine and other alcoholic

beverages, as well as emotional distress. When coming in from the cold to an overheated room, rosacea can often flare. Try to keep your face covered with a non-irritating silk or cashmere scarf and remove it promptly once indoors. A spritz from an atomizer of mineral water followed immediately by moisturizing cream will soothe skin that is parched from overheated interiors. A cozy fireplace is one of the pleasures of winter, but keep some distance from the flames so as not to damage your skin. Minimize your spicy food intake and limit alcohol consumption as much as possible. If you are offered a platter of fresh, raw vegetables at a party, enjoy as much as you like. To keep yourself on an even emotional keel, consider meditation and deep breathing techniques. Above all, try to live in the moment and enjoy the small pleasures in life. A few tips for winter skin maintenance for everyone, especially those with rosacea:  Take short baths or showers with warm, not hot, water

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       

Use a gentle, unscented moisturizing soap or body wash Apply moisturizing cream or lotion all over after bathing Use a non-pore-clogging facial moisturizer with sunscreen Coat your lips with balm containing petrolatum or beeswax Apply hand cream or ointment after each hand washing Try products with ammonium lactate to reduce roughness Wear protective clothing, hats and gloves when outdoors Use a vaporizer or humidifier throughout the season

Some simple, common sense rules go a long way to keep our skin and bodies healthy and beautiful Consuming a well-balanced diet, staying hydrated and getting enough sleep are fundamental requirements for good health, which is reflected in our skin.

Art Director: Marina Barlage | Prop Stylist: Sergio Esteves | Makeup: Natalia Garro | Hair: David Cotteblanche | Model: Natalia Wowczko / Next Models

N E W B E A U T Y | S T Y L E VA U LT

newBEAUTY Keeping It Real by Scott Wells, MD, PC

aving practiced the art of Plastic Surgery for well over two decades, I have seen many changes over the years. Expectedly, there is a constant evolution in technology; however, more striking to me is the recognition of our changing aesthetic. I find this so interesting because, like Greek philosophical descriptions of beauty, I too believe there are somewhat immutable ideals. In classical studies of the human form, there are well established proportions and harmonies inherent in perceived beauty. In fact, the curriculum in Plastic Surgical education teaches us to study these ideals to help frame our aesthetic and guide our plans for interventions. Yet in the pursuit of our craft today, we too often see trends toward unnatural and even dysaesthetic results. Obvious examples of this are the recent propensities toward overly enlarged lips and unnaturally exaggerated cheeks. It behooves us as cosmetic doctors to help guide our patients and even ourselves to strive for more natural results, reestablishing the aesthetic normal. Lip augmentation procedures have become very popular and highly requested. Everyone remembers Goldie Hawn in First Wives Club, looking positively silly after a visit to a cosmetic surgeon. Done properly, lip enhancement is a wonderful procedure to create or return lips to a gentle, youthful fullness. Overdone, however,

it can easily result in an awkward platypus-like projection. The key to proper enhancement involves experience, judgement and especially an understanding of how fillers are to be used in differing quantities and in specific subunits within the lip. Smaller amounts of filler used to define the “white roll” often frame the edges of the lips and provide remarkable enhancement without significant enlargement. This is similar to the way a good picture frame focuses one’s attention on the painting. When injecting into the pink (vermillion) portion of the lip, location and quantity of fill is even more important. Youthful lips roll outward subtly due to the anatomical shape of the orbicularis muscle, and improper injections can over-accentuate this subtle eversion causing a duck-like appearance, especially on profile view. Another important consideration is maintaining a harmonious 1-1.6 ratio of upper lip to lower lip proportion. Ultimately it is important to understand that bulk filling of the lips for maximum volume is not the aesthetic ideal, and that we must strive for very specific enhancements outside of volume alone. Similar to the too common tendency toward unnaturally large lips, we are seeing people with unnaturally augmented cheeks and mid-faces. As aesthetic physicians we have come to correctly evaluate much of changes of facial aging as due to deflations

and sagging in parts of the face, most notably over the cheekbones and below the eye sockets. We know that re-inflation of these areas not only restores youthful fullness, but more importantly provides lift to the cheeks in correcting symptoms of sagging such as deep nasolabial folds or hollows below the eyes. The problem comes when we overcorrect volume in an effort to compensate for extreme sagging. It is important to understand that youthful contour is due not only to volume, but also requires skin elasticity to shape that volume into natural, youthful ogee curves. Skin-building programs, such as laser and other collagen-restoring technologies must be employed along with filler to “shrink wrap” the facial envelope. Most importantly, we must know when it is time to put down the syringe and pick up the scalpel. Not everything can be corrected properly without surgical intervention. “Keeping it real” is about balancing the approach to rejuvenation—using fillers gently only restoring volume to normal proportions. It must be combined with skin tightening procedures in order to produce natural results. It has become my mantra that “natural results occur when we rebuild the structure that defines youth rather than just camouflaging the signs of aging.” 

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LÉMAN | LITTLE APPLE

Family Fitness Despite the Frost Indoors or out, kids just want to have fun! by Jo Ann Calvanico

h, Winter. We eat a bit more and do a bit less. We watch more television than we should. Getting to the playground is a lot harder. Kids feel cooped up inside. Keeping fit as the weather turns (and before we see the first

hopeful signs of spring) is no small feat. There are, however, many ways for parents and kids to stay active together, both indoors and outdoors, during this time of year. Guide your kids’ natural inclination to be active and you’ll all have fun.

Get out and play The cold weather in New York seems to become a deterrent as we age, yet as children, we probably couldn’t wait to go outside and play. As adults, we do not play enough. My suggestion is to put the technology away, bundle up, gather some friends and their kids and hit the park. Organize a friendly flag football game, go sledding, try ice skating or take a brisk walk together along the river. Lower Manhattan has great parks and public spaces for keeping fit.

Hit the water As a physical educator and swim instructor

at Léman Manhattan Preparatory School in FiDi, I encourage all of my students to swim on the weekends year-round if possible. I recommend 30 minutes twice a week. There are many indoor pools in the downtown New York area. The New York Health & Racquet Club on Whitehall Street, Asphalt Green in Battery Park City and the Community Center at Stuyvesant High School all offer a membership or daily fee to swim. Imagine Swimming and Physique Swim also offer youth swim lessons at Léman Manhattan’s two indoor pools throughout the year.

Reach new heights Indoor rock climbing is another option. For Léman’s professional development day last year, my department went to the rock climbing gym, Brooklyn Boulders, and spent half a day learning how to belay and climb. It was challenging and fun. For some reason, I thought climbing was all about upper body strength. I was mistaken—it is a total body

workout. This facility caters to all levels of climbers, and runs youth classes for kids starting at age five.

Stay inside – just not on the couch Sometimes it really is too cold to go out. Try kid-friendly circuit training in your living room. Depending on your family’s skill level make sure you modify these exercises either by adjusting time, repetitions or an extra movement. A typical circuit is comprised of three to four movements such as pushups, jumping jacks, mountain climbers and body squats. Perform each movement for 30 seconds or whatever time you choose to fit your capacity. Start with two minutes rest in between circuits and modify as needed. By incorporating a variety of fun family activities into your schedule, you’ll all stay fit throughout the winter. And before you know it, spring will be here!  Jo Ann Calvanico is Physical Education Department Chair at Léman Manhattan Preparatory School, a PreK-12th grade independent school in the Financial District.

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L I T T L E A P P L E | D OW N TOW N DA D

Q&A with Downtown Dad

Fatherhood and Fitness by Catie Perry Photography by Raquel Salazar

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lex Reznik is a husband, father, manager and entrepreneur. He owns the only independently owned gym chain in New York City: CompleteBody Fitness and Wellness Club. In addition to running the gym’s three locations, he also manages seven buildings (one in Russia), and runs a wellness resort in Brazil. And he does all this while caring for his twin 17-month-old boys. Born in the USSR, Reznik left at the age of 21 and came to the U.S. He didn’t feel welcome in his native country; he was looking for a place where he could make something of himself. A place to call home. Today Reznik calls Downtown NYC home, and he couldn’t imagine living anywhere else. Although raising twin boys in the city isn’t always easy, Reznik and his husband, Eugene, aren’t thinking of going anywhere, anytime soon. On their first date, Reznik asked his now-husband if he wanted kids because Reznik did not want to waste his time. Eugene said he wanted five and Reznik replied that he wanted four. They now chase after their toddler twins, Lucas and Milan, and even though they are quite a handful—being just as active as Reznik—this hasn’t scared the couple, who plan on having more. Downtown: When you came to the U.S., did you know you wanted to start a gym? Alex Reznik: I didn’t dream about it; I couldn’t believe it was possible because I had no papers, no money, no English. My dream was to get a job. I didn’t know I could open a gym.

you don’t exercise, your body will tell you. Your body will demand a change. DT: Why is it important to focus on the body as a whole? AR: It’s about enjoying life, finding time for balance—physically and mentally. Spend time in the park, balance a crazy life with nature. It’s a balance between enjoying yourself and being healthy—and you actually can do both. DT: Did having kids change how you think about fitness and health? AR: It made me more aware. I want to see my kids going to college and hopefully I’ll have some grandkids. I’m more conscious about what I eat and how I exercise. I want to live longer, for myself and also for my kids. DT: How will you help them have a good balance when it comes to health?

DT: How do you prioritize the twins while also focusing on your relationship with your husband? AR: Well, it’s a work in progress [laughs]. I probably should spend more time working on that! I don’t have a lot of time with him, the four of us is like one unit, but I love the time on the weekends when it’s just the four of us at the park. DT: What surprised you and your husband the most when you had kids? AR: In just a couple months their characteristics came out. They’re very different: one is more like me, very pushy, a little overwhelming [laughs]. The other one is like Eugene, very easy going. DT: Do you like raising your children here in Downtown?

AR: Don’t tell them, show them. It’s very important to continue to do what I think is good, and I’m sure they will follow.

AR: I love Downtown. I’ve been here for 30 years. I can’t wait until they’re a little bit older to do activities like going to museums or to the theater. When they’re older, they can enjoy New York and Downtown.

DT: Do you find it hard to balance work and family?

DT: What’s the best piece of parenting advice you can give to our readers?

AR: It’s challenging, but I have great support from our family. If I have a half-hour break I run and spend time with the twins, go to the park. It’s very important for the kids to feel loved.

AR: I’ve learned you can’t tell kids “no.” They don’t understand. You tell them “no” and they want it more, they try even harder. Give them something else instead, a replacement, another option.

DT: What does your husband think about your constantly expanding business? AR: He’s the opposite of me; he balances me out. I have the crazy ideas and he’s more realistic and pulls me back down to reality. He’s a good balance for me. If not, I go completely crazy [laughs]. DT: Why is fitness so important to you? AR: Many years ago I had heart palpitations— bad ones. I went to the doctor and he said, “you’re fine.” This is how I met [author and alternative medicine advocate] Deepak Chopra. He ran some tests and told me I was a five out of six on the levels of disease. Eastern medicine is different from Western, where you’re either sick or healthy. If you don’t do meditation, if you don’t eat healthy food, if you don’t sleep well, if

FAVORITES Date spot: Brunch at Smörgås Playground: Pearl Street Playground Outdoor exercise: Battery Park

EVENING ROUTINE Every night we kiss them and give them toys. In the morning we wake them up, they lie in bed for a few minutes, then we massage them and they love it.

HIDDEN GEM Hudson River Greenway (near West Side Highway)

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LITTLE APPLE | ESSENTIALS

Essentials

TAGA BIKE $1,495 tagabikes.com

For the busy Downtown dad, here are products to help you take care of your kids and look cool at the same time. Then relax and enjoy some dad downtime. CROCODILE SLIPPERS $998 brooksbrothers.com

BEOPLAY A2 ACTIVE $399 beoplay.com

ERGOBABY FOUR POSITION 360 $160-$180 ergobaby.com

ATHOS MENâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S SMART SHIRT $398 liveathos.com

CANVAS SATCHEL CHANGING BAG $125 oioibaby.co.uk

THE LEVEL $289-$489 fluidstance.com

KID MOTORZ MERCEDES BENZ 6V RIDE ON $148 target.com

HAZELTINE JACKET $3,250 loropiana.com

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P A W B L I S H E R B A R C L AY | L I T T L E A P P L E

Barclay’s Spot

Barclay

Photography by Rafael Rautha Sponsored by Le Pet Spa and Citipups

PAWBLISHER

KASPAR Border Collie and Lab Mix Travis Brown & Shahrzad Kamel

EMMY Cocker Spaniel Mix Jessica Blank & Adam Weisbarth

TED

HANNAH

Miniature Australian Shepherd Puk Suphantarida

Pitbull Mix Hugo, Yoli, Andrea & Daniela

Q: What's your New Year's Resolution?

A: My New Year's resolution is to stop jumping on the kitchen counter. My parents really hate it when I eat their pizza and really nice steaks.

A: I hope to get more toys so I can share them with my foster friends.

A: To stop hiding my treats (treasures!) in secret spots around the apartment. I promised my mama I would stop so I’m going to try my hardest to make her happy!

A: In 2017, I want to find a way to somehow convince my family to give me more belly rubs and more treats! Oh, and I will try to not eat their socks anymore.

Q: What's your favorite dog park in New York? A: I have so many memories at Washington Square Park from when I was a puppy. To this day I still drive my parents crazy looking for squirrels. Q: What's your favorite movie to snuggle up to?

Q: What's your favorite dog park in New York? A: My favorite dog run is the TriBeCa Dog Run. There are always new friends to be found. Q: What's your favorite movie to snuggle up to? A: My all-time favorite movie is “The Lego Movie” because, as I always say, “everything is awesome.”

A: I love watching “Lady and the Tramp,” especially the part where they share the plate of spaghetti.

Q: What's your favorite dog park in New York?

A: The West Thames Street Dog Run in Battery Park! I love playing fetch there or just chilling with my puppy buddies.

A: My favorite dog run is the South Street Seaport Dog Run because there is lots of space for me to run and there’s that giant bone I can jump over.

Q: What's your favorite movie to snuggle up to?

A: I love snuggling up to “Mean Girls,” because I really like how Gretchen Wiener is trying to make “fetch” happen.

A: I like to snuggle up with my family and watch “Marley and Me.”

Dr. Francisco DiPolo Brings Integrative Veterinary Medicine Downtown

he Worth Street Veterinary Center opened in early 2010 and was conceived as an integrative veterinary medicine practice. This concept is a comprehensive medical approach that combines the best of conventional medicine with alternative complementary therapies to treat the patient as a whole. We then work in partnership with our clients so we may find the right balance of what can be integrated to achieve optimal health in a practical form. Some of the additional therapies that we offer are: acupuncture,

Chinese herbal or botanical remedies, nutritional and supplemental therapies, cold laser and physical rehabilitation such as hydrotherapy, dry therapy or massage. For example, a pet who has sustained a ligament injury may receive advanced surgical correction of the injury followed by one or all of these modalities. We are a very client oriented practice with a team culture that focuses on providing a great experience to both the pet and client.

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Bordeaux

An Unlikely Cultural Adventure in

Sail through Bordeaux, a region synonymous with fine wine and finer living. by Katie McElveen

T R AV E L | P A S S P O R T

et within a blooming garden amid vineyards that produce some of the most expensive wines in the world, Chateau Kirwan is as lovely to look at as it is historic. Thomas Jefferson visited the Margaux estate in 1787 and was so impressed he awarded the vineyard a coveted secondgrowth status (it was named a third-growth chateau—still quite respectable—in 1855). Although seized by the state during the French Revolution, Chateau Kirwan and its hectares of neat vines and parkland somehow survived intact; Napoleon returned it to the Kirwan family during his reign. Today, it’s owned by one of Bordeaux’s oldest families. None of this is lost on me as I take another sip of 1995 Chateau Kirwan and settle into a dinner worthy of the setting: duck confit, veal and, for dessert, a dark chocolate and red wine ice cream creation. But the most surprising thing about the dinner is that it is the evening meal for me and my fellow passengers aboard the Viking Forseti, the ship on which we have been exploring Bordeaux, via river, for the past five days. There was no extra charge for the meal, no add-on for the vintage wine. It is, I’d discovered, one of the many ways that Viking works to immerse passengers—guests—in local culture. That immersion began within hours of our arrival in Bordeaux with a quick stroll through town. Bordeaux is a walkable city filled with shady squares, twisty cobblestone streets that wind past ornate medieval cathedrals, ancient city gates, art-filled parks, chic shops and two botanical gardens. Constructed over two centuries and reflecting both neoclassical and Italianate details, the buildings create a mosaic colored in green, ocher and yellow, the city’s chosen palette. Along the way, guides pointed out areas of interest, including the antique shop-strewn Chartrons District; locations of the Sunday markets on the Quai des Chartrons and the Quai des Salinières; the best places for wine tasting (the Le Bar a Vin and La Cité du Vin, the celebrated wine museum that opened in June of 2016) and Baillardran, home base for caneles, the caramelized one-bite cakes that the Bordelaise eat instead of macarons. Although I’d visited Bordeaux several years ago, I was looking forward to exploring the area by boat. Like many of the world’s great wine-producing regions, Bordeaux is composed of great swaths of agricultural land speckled with storybook villages as dreamy as they are inaccessible by train. Enter the Viking Forseti, which uses the world’s first superhighways— rivers—to travel from town to town. Some, like Bordeaux and St. Emilion, are popular tourist destinations; others—ancient Bourg, with its flowering meadows and hilly cobbled streets; Blay, home to a UNESCO World Heritage Site

Photo courtesy of Viking Cruises

Bordeaux is a walkable city filled with shady squares, twisty cobblestone streets that wind past ornate medieval cathedrals, ancient city gates, art-filled parks, chic shops and two botanical gardens. fort; and the market village of Libourne—all felt relatively undiscovered. I had heard that Viking’s excursions were well-organized and interesting and I wasn’t disappointed. No matter where the outing took us—cognac blending in Cognac, Sauternes tasting in Sauternes, truffle-hunting, visiting with oyster farmers—guides were well-informed, sites were ready for groups and the quality of whatever we were eating or drinking was high. But what I hadn’t expected were the multitude of cultural experiences available and the flexibility within each program. In Bourg, for instance, the Forseti’s program director took a small group on an ad hoc morning stroll past tall medieval city walls to a public washing pool built in the 19th century and still used by local residents for laundry. In Libourne, guests who participated in the free walking tour of the city were treated to a visit to the covered market, where we could taste several specialty pâtés. Throughout the trip, cheeses, wines and liqueurs picked up at a market often made their way into impromptu tastings on board. Life on the Forseti was easygoing and civilized. Breakfast could be taken either in the form of a bountiful buffet in the main dining room or continental-style on the outdoor terrace, where late risers could stumble in as late

as 11 a.m. A formal lunch was served each day in the dining room, but I preferred the soups, salads and sandwiches set out on the terrace each afternoon. I also found myself drawn to the terrace for dinner, where a pot of rustic deliciousness—pot au feu, perhaps, or spicy fish stew—bubbled on the outdoor stove and could be ordered instead of (or in addition to) items from the regular menu. Cabins were impressive in their ability to stow vast quantities of luggage and purchases; even the bathrooms contained enough shelving to corral all of my French pharmacy purchases. I was glad to have a balcony; next time, I’ll splurge on a suite, which provides a full second room. I did miss access to a gym and spa, but found that, on most days, we had enough time in town to fit in a quick run or massage at a local day spa. Beyond displaying general pleasantness and an uncanny knack for remembering preferences, staff members went out of their way to share personal experiences that would enhance our trip. Those insights—a pretty walk, perhaps, or a fun bottle of wine to try—combined with Viking’s flexibility and culturally-rich environment, transformed what could have been a cookie-cutter trip into a chance to experience Bordeaux rather than simply visit. 

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Paradise Hollywood is just a few hours away in

Offering top-notch music, dining and relaxation, the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino is perfect for a close-by getaway. by Darren Paltrowitz Photography by Daniel Newcomb

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G E T A W AY | P A S S P O R T

hen it comes to choosing a destination for a weekend getaway, there are a number of factors to consider. How far is it? What is the local weather like? What is there to do once you arrive? How much clothing will you have to pack? Will you have to rent a car? Will you be surrounded by people of similar interests? Hollywood, Florida’s Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino manages to be the rare destination that has something for everyone without coming across as impersonal or unrefined. An extension of the Hard Rock Cafe brand—which first opened in London in June 1971—Hard Rock Hotels also carry the tagline “love all, serve all.” The Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino is not just an upscale hotel with its 469 luxury guest rooms and its 140,000 square feet of gaming space. Indoors, its large property includes numerous award-winning restaurants of various cuisines, a spa, a state-of-the-art fitness center, clubs, shopping and a 5,500-seat arena for concerts and comedy events. Outdoors, there is a 4.5-acre pool area, including a lagoonstyle swimming pool, jacuzzi, elevated spa and a 180-foot slide; in the middle of the pool is the Beach Club restaurant. Only 20 minutes from Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport to the Hard Rock, once you have arrived, you will need not leave the resort for all your food, entertainment, relaxation and fun. Kuro (which translates to “black” in Japanese) is the resort’s signature Japanese restaurant. Helmed by Chef Alex Becker, who previously worked within the ranks of Nobu and Katsuya, the $12 million establishment’s decor is innovative yet inviting. Its walls and lighting fixtures include 100,000 hand-placed seashells, more than two miles of beads, driftwood wall fixtures and floor-to-ceiling bay windows that showcase the resort's well-lit pool area. The menu is a contemporary take on Japanese fare, offering both locally-sourced ingredients and items flown in from Japan. The Hokkaido Scallop Sashimi was a stand-out appetizer meant for sharing, including sea salt and yuzu jelly on top of the scallops. It tasted as wonderful as it was presented, served chilled atop delicate white seashells. The Salmon Kare mixed together Japanese-style curry and tender salmon with seasonal vegetables and a pureed, creamy cauliflower, making for a delectable entree. Adventurous diners can opt for “omakase”—Japanese for “chef ’s choice”—dining, available for sushi, sashimi and the standard menu. Our attentive server Kate made appropriate food and drink pairing suggestions, which helped when considering that Kuro offers well over 100 wine labels, dozens of sake brands, and plenty of beers and spirits. Overall, this was an exemplary dinner on every level. Council Oak Steaks & Seafood, the on-site signature steakhouse at the Hard Rock, has been nationally recognized by Zagat and has earned Wine Spectator's Award of Excellence consecutively since 2009. Beyond fine meat and fish offerings, Council Oak specializes in wine and high-end spirits. The steakhouse is home to the One Ounce Club, a luxury spirits program that allows guests to order exclusive, high-end liquor in one-ounce increments. Non-drinking diners can also experience something memorable in having their own steak knife, displayed near the restaurant’s entrance and ready for the diner’s next visit. The Rock Spa is a luxurious 27,000-square-foot facility with an extensive range of offerings. Beyond its private treatments by appointment, visitors can enjoy its refreshing baths, steam rooms and saunas. The spa also includes a full-service beauty salon and barber shop. The spa’s exclusive Synchronicity treatment includes a unique pulsating massage set to a relaxing rock-oriented soundtrack; although I was relaxed as can be while experiencing Synchronicity (presumably named after the classic album by The Police), I recognized songs by Spiritualized and Lou Reed during the treatment. Speaking of great rock music, the resort naturally includes a Hard Rock Cafe restaurant. In addition to the signature pub fare and comfort food that one expects from a Hard Rock Cafe—the

Cauliflower Wings were a surprisingly spicy vegetarian delight—the restaurant features plenty of one-of-a-kind memorabilia on its walls. This location has featured performances from plenty of notables including Carole King, The Fray, Aaron Lewis, The E Street Band's Clarence Clemons and Aerosmith's Steven Tyler. Bobby Berger, the Vibe Host of the restaurant, not only answers questions about the memorabilia, but also works the soundboard. Memorabilia is not exclusive to the Hard Rock Cafe; within the resort it is placed almost everywhere imaginable. Our comfortable CBGB King Suite guest room—named for the now-defunct Downtown Manhattan venue—featured photographs of Elvis Presley, The Who, Stevie Nicks, Tina Turner and KISS. The floor’s elevator bank included signed guitars from members of The Wallflowers and Candlebox. The casino had rare items from members of Guns N’ Roses, ZZ Top, Korn and Lynyrd Skynyrd. The hallways displayed items and/or photographs from Shakira, Gwen Stefani and Rihanna. In turn, there was something for music fans of all ages and interests. Ultimately, the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, a AAA Four Diamond resort, offered all that I had hoped for and more during these three days. Top-notch customer service was the norm throughout my stay. Staff members went above and beyond; they were warm, professional and attentive without being overbearing. This made for an ideal weekend getaway, with that great Hard Rock vibe! 

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C I T Y B I T E S | D E S T I N AT I O N

Cutting In With the opening of CUT by Wolfgang Puck, the world-famous chef and his team have entered the sizzling steakhouse scene in New York City. by Eva Maria Troester Photography by Dimitri Mais

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C I T Y B I T E S | D E S T I N AT I O N

or days, weeks—even months—New Yorkers have walked by and eagerly awaited the opening of Wolfgang Puck’s firstever New York restaurant in the new Four Seasons Hotel Downtown. Finally, the wait is over! With an assorted menu, a bar scene perfect for drinks and conversation and an overall casual but beautiful feel, CUT in Downtown New York has everything to become a new neighborhood favorite. Suitably located close to the Meatpacking District and with Wall Street’s finance people right around the corner, Puck describes this as the perfect spot to introduce his world-renowned CUT steakhouse to the New York restaurant scene. For this sixth location of CUT—and the second within a Four Seasons Hotel—the setting couldn’t have been better. “The Four Seasons is the highest level of hotels, and we are the highest level of a steakhouse,” said Puck about the partnership, though he admits having been adamant about not opening a restaurant in NYC. “If you would have asked me eight years ago if we would expand to New York, I probably would have said ‘No, I’m a quintessential L.A. guy’,” Puck explained. Since then, however, the famous chef has opened up restaurants all over the world with great success, and when Silverstein Properties approached him about opening a restaurant in the new Four Seasons Hotel they were developing Downtown, Puck found his final push. “I wasn’t sure about the neighborhood, because I thought it shut down at 5:30 p.m.,” Puck explained about his hesitation. “But now Downtown is a happening place. There are so many people in the streets, people live here now. And we want to be a restaurant for the neighborhood.”

“We wanted to enter New York in a very humble, low-key way, and I think that we’ve taken all the right steps to do that.” - Louis Smeby

Executive Chef Raymond Weber The lively downtown neighborhood is very much felt in the kitchen. Executive Chef Raymond Weber, who has been with Puck for over a decade, runs the kitchen with a firm hand. The second ever CUT to serve breakfast, lunch and dinner—the first being CUT at 45 Park Lane in London—there are only a few quiet moments throughout the day, with an array of people coming in and out for every meal. Adding to that, the bar is in some ways its own little restaurant; the menu features everything from light bar bites to the prime Japanese Wagyu beef and is specifically put together to have something for everyone. “You have such a diverse mix of people in New York,” Weber said. “It’s a mix of new guests and people living in the neighborhood who want to come in and enjoy the space, but they maybe don’t want to eat a steak every single night. So, I try to make sure the menu offers enough variety, like sashimi salad or pasta, even something as simple as a chicken sandwich,” Weber explained. While steaks are still CUT’s great pride—as a steakhouse, of course—fish and other seafood specialties are a popular part of the menu as well. Being close to the seaport makes it easy to get fresh fish daily and shows how the restaurant adapts to the neighborhood—not the other way around. CUT isn’t the only one new to the neighborhood. Weber and his wife, Zairah Molina, pastry chef of CUT, recently relocated to downtown New York City. They, along with the rest of the new team at CUT, knew that the culinary scene in the city is a competitive one, but living side-by-side with their new clientele has given them a greater understanding of their guests. Each day Weber and his wife are getting to know and understand the Downtown area better. “In New York, everybody’s on the go. Everybody has everything at their fingertips, so it’s really nice to see how much we’ve been accepted and appreciated in the market,” Weber said. “I can’t complain at all. I live two blocks away, my doorman is great, my neighbors are great. I walk to work every single day with my wife, and I couldn’t ask for better.”

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The passion Weber brings to the table shines through not only in his culinary creations, but also with his kitchen staff. Chef Puck and Chef Lee Hefter, Puck’s right-hand man, have been crucial to instill a great work ethic, always pushing themselves and paying it forward. “Best part of my job is being able to teach the people what I’ve learned, watch them grow and watch them become young adults, young chefs and young managers,” Weber said. “Knowledge is something you can’t take away from anybody. Money comes and goes, but what I can teach them is theirs forever.”

General Manager Louis Smeby From kitchen to restaurant, the entire staff already works together like they had been a team for years. General Manager Louis Smeby—his staff jokes that he runs the restaurant with a firm hand—has a gentle

General Manager Louis Smeby with Wine Director David Morris

smile and even more important, a sense of humor. As if born to be in the hospitality business, he treats everyone with an open mind and he knows the importance of judging people by their personality. To him, it’s not about a glowing resume or well-rehearsed answers. “Generally someone will slip me a resume and I’ll flip it over immediately and just engage at that point,” Smeby explained about what he looks for in new staff. “It’s the warmth, genuineness and hospitality that you can sense from your first interaction with somebody.” Understanding the guests has been key to CUT’s success. The downtown area, known for big commerce and fast movement, is also becoming a real residential area, so the restaurant has to cater to a lot of different individuals—groups of different economic stature, travelers, locals, and neighbors especially. And the restaurant

accommodates these shifting segments seamlessly. “If it’s 5 p.m. on a Thursday, which is probably one of the busiest nights out in the city, we crank the music up a little, show off a little bit more tableside flair with our Negroni Cart of vintage spirits that we offer—as opposed to maybe a Sunday night, when we have a lot of neighbors coming in for a quieter dinner, so we try to tone down the music and put on a more relaxed vibe.” Connecting to the downtown neighborhood was important to Smeby, Weber and, of course, Puck. “We wanted to enter New York in a very humble, low-key way, and I think that we’ve taken all the right steps to do that; to meld into the metropolitan atmosphere here by not shaking things up too much.” Smeby said. “I think there is a lot of potential for this restaurant to become a serious iconic restaurant in New York City.” 

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CITY BITES | CHEF PROFILE

Gourmet Dining

Appearing in a Theater Near You From fast-foodie to epicurean, Chef Sherry Yard took her cuisine in a new direction with “dine-in-the-dark,” a concept you have to experience to believe. by Caisse Davis Photos courtesy of iPic Entertainment

hat could gourmet food and movie theaters possibly have in common? The connection is Chef Sherry Yard who serves as the chief operating officer of iPic Entertainment’s Restaurant Division. iPic is a luxury movie theater service that provides guests with gourmet food and drink located at South Street Seaport. Yard created the concept of “dine-in-the-dark” there, revolutionizing the idea of a classic dinner and a movie. She calls her creations craveable American cuisine—everyday foods that she herself enjoys eating.

The iPic experience Her newest culinary position at iPic opened up a whole new world in the food business. It combines high-quality food with luxury movie theater entertainment, a vast contrast to her usual role of creating menus and memorable meals at high-end restaurants including the Rainbow Room, Tribeca Grill and Le Cirque. iPic posed an exciting and

different challenge for her. “To me, challenges are nothing more than opportunities,” Yard said. “I thought what Hamid Hashemi (founder, president and CEO of iPic Entertainment) and his team have created is such an incredible vision, but how could I meet that? How can I bring the food?” While Yard has cooked for events with thousands of guests such as the Academy Awards, iPic presented a different challenge for her. “There’s an intensity,” Yard explained. “Within 15 minutes you’re all sitting down, there’s over 100 seats, and how’s the food going to come out perfect every time?” To ensure guests receive the ultimate experience of movie watching while dining, Yard designed her menu, from appetizers to desserts, to include mostly hand-held creations without the noise and odors caused by some foods. Case in point, her Reuben Croquettes turns a deliciously messy sandwich into a neat, bitesized treat, which fits Yard’s criteria perfectly. iPic is close to home for Yard. A Brooklyn native, she grew up with deep roots in the food industry. Her grandfather was a fishmonger in South Street Seaport (across the street from the iPic theater). And Yard’s father was a fireman: “As we all know, firemen are the best cooks ever, so as a child I would go to the firehouse and they would make all different recipes that were just so inviting,” Yard reminisced. Working at iPic means revisiting other childhood memories for Yard. “I grew up with TV dinners. You sat there with your fork and knife and watched television with the lights down, so I think ‘dine-in-the-dark’ is just an evolution,” Yard explained.

When Wolfgang called Yard’s first paid culinary experience was at 16 years old working in the fast-food industry at McDonald’s. Thirty-six years later, Yard has an eclectic culinary resume working with some of the best chefs in the country. She has worked alongside Wolfgang Puck for close to 20 years, collaborating on catering, his cookbooks, his frozen food line and opening new restaurants. Yard even contributed to the menu of Puck’s first New

BRIOCHE CRAB CAKES Recipe yields 20 servings

Ingredients

1 stalk celery 2 teaspoons garlic 1 teaspoon shallots 2 teaspoons butter ¼ teaspoon kosher salt ⅛ teaspoon granulated sugar ½ cup mayonnaise 1 teaspoon Old Bay Seasoning 2 teaspoons Worcestershire, chives, parsley, dill 1½ teaspoons Dijon mustard ½ teaspoon Tapatio hot sauce ¼ cup Granny Smith apples, finely diced ½ teaspoon fresh lemon juice 40 brioche slices 1 pound jumbo lump crab, Maryland Blue (picked for shells) A pinch cayenne

Sauce preparation

York City restaurant, CUT, a steakhouse located Downtown. Yard’s connection to Puck started with an unexpected phone call. After enjoying food created by Yard at a San Francisco event, Puck called her for possible restaurant work with him. “I thought it was a prank phone call,” Yard said. “I called a friend in New York and said, ‘This is the best imitation of Wolfgang Puck ever.’ I called the number and they said ‘Spago,’ and I hung up the phone. I said ‘Holy cow, I have Wolfgang Puck calling me!’” But the most important part of Yard’s culinary experience is her thoughtfulness about her food and her guests’. “I’ve always been very thoughtful and I think that’s the key to success in our business,” she said. She pays great attention to every detail of the restaurant business, everything from “understanding [her] guests’ wants and needs,” to noticing “how the napkin is going to fall in [the guests’] lap” and even the design of the chair at the table so guests can sit comfortably. Paying attention to the details of the food is her top priority. “My food is very personal and it starts with the ingredients. My church is the farmers market and the fish markets,” Yard said. “For me, the biggest reward is making a difference in people’s lives,” Yard said. From a McDonald’s employee to working alongside Wolfgang Puck to now revolutionizing the way New Yorkers do dinner and a movie, Yard is living up to her word. 

Finely mince celery, garlic and shallots. In a skillet on medium heat, melt butter, add celery, garlic and shallots. Cook five minutes until translucent and tender. Season with salt and sugar. Remove pan from heat, put into a large metal bowl. Set aside at room temperature for 20 minutes. Once cooled, add apples, mayonnaise, Worcestershire, mustard, Tapatio, chives, parsley, dill, Old Bay and cayenne. With a rubber spatula, fold until combined. Set aside.

Crab cake preparation In a large metal mixing bowl, place crabmeat, sugar and lemon juice together. Gently toss to combine. Very gently fold in crab cake base mixture. Do not overmix. Cover bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate over ice for one hour.

Assembly Slice brioche loaf in 1/8” thick slices. Use 1 ¼” round cutter to punch out uniform bread discs. Scoop 1 ounce of crab cake filling onto center of brioche disc. Top with another piece of brioche disc and press down gently. Repeat process until all the base is used.

Cooking 1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. 2. With a 6” non-stick pan over medium-low heat, add melted clarified butter, coat surface. 3. Carefully place crab cakes one at a time and lightly toast the brioche to golden color. 4. Carefully turn crab cakes with spatula. Add more clarified butter if necessary. Continue to cook until nicely toasted and golden. 5. Place in the oven for 8 minutes until hot. 6. Remove from oven, plate and serve immediately with salad. Serve and enjoy.

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You may just call it “winter blues,” but SAD is actually a diagnosable condition that can be helped.

WELLNESS | FITNESS

Coping with Winter by Catie Perry Photography by Matt Licari

ew York winters are beautiful— fresh snow in streets and parks, glistening ice rinks, kids sipping hot cocoa. It can look like a postcard. But there’s another side to winter. Piles of dirty, week-old snow and gray skies may leave us feeling as dreary as the weather, especially after the excitement of the holidays is over. In fact, our feelings of low energy and sluggishness in the winter months can be caused by the winter weather itself. Seasonal Affective Disorder (aptly known as SAD) is a certain type of depression that occurs during the winter. It is caused by the lack of sunlight due to shorter days— from approximately October to April. The change in light affects our circadian rhythm (or internal clock) and our bodies react negatively by lowering our serotonin levels, which depresses our moods. SAD affects one in four of us—which is 11 million Americans—according to WebMD. Although SAD is essentially your body reacting to a lack of light, your activities (or lack of activities) can also contribute to your low feelings. The chill of winter causes a more sedentary lifestyle with less social interactions and less exercise. You may just call it “winter blues,” but SAD is actually a diagnosable condition that can be helped. These are the symptoms to look out for:  Change in appetite (especially craving sweets and starches)  Weight gain  Fatigue  Tendency to oversleep  Difficulty concentrating  Irritability/anxiety  Avoidance of social situations  Increased sensitivity to social rejection While SAD affects women more than men, it disproportionately affects all of us in the northern hemisphere where we get less sun in winter. As New Yorkers, we need all the help we can get. “Many people are affected by this and it’s pretty common, but there’s a lot one can do to manage it,” said Dr. Susan Evans, psychologist at Weill Cornell Medicine and New York-Presbyterian.

If you’ve noticed any SAD symptoms lately, try some of these suggestions to feel better.

Indulge in some sunshine The closer you are to the equator, the less SAD affects you. For example, only one percent of Floridians report having winter specific mood disorders. So if you can get away, head south! A sunny environment can lift your spirits; four days in a row is recommended to get the most benefits, according to health.com. If you can’t get out of town, here are some doctor recommended treatments you can do in the city.

Bring the sun inside Direct sunlight is needed to treat SAD; regular indoor lighting or standing by a window has no effect. But when it’s so cold, we rarely want to spend time outside just to get sunlight. The alternative is a sun lamp or “sun box” lights. This is the most commonly prescribed treatment by doctors for any level of winter depression, according to Dr. Evans. Sun lamps have unique fluorescent tubes that act like the sun’s rays. It’s recommended to use the sun lamp for 30 minutes every morning. Place these lights at your breakfast table, your office, or any place that works best for you. This helps regulate your body’s internal clock and will decrease the symptoms of SAD. Dr. Evans recommends following the directions to sit within two feet of the light box for positive results. Check with your doctor for more information about sun lamps.

Bundle up and go! Try combining some outdoor time with exercise like jogging or walking briskly, which will keep you warm. Cardio also gives you endorphins that will boost your mood. Being outside in nature helps you let go of stress. Head over to one of Battery Park’s great running trails—call a friend to bundle up and join you so you can socialize and exercise.

Help from your friends When we’re feeling down, it’s easy to isolate ourselves and forget that we have people in our lives who love us. Being social will help boost your mood. Meet a friend for coffee, volunteer for an afternoon, go to a Pilates class or watch a funny movie. Do what makes you feel positive and bring your friends along to remind yourself that you’re loved.

Meditate the negativity away Meditation helps depression in general and can help keep your spirits up in the winter. Dr. Evans recommends meditation and mindfulness—it can reduce stress, boost your immune system and regulate sleep, among other benefits. While exercise rates tend to go down in the winter, meditation rates stay the same, said Lodro Rinzler, co-founder of MNDFL, a meditation studio in Downtown. You can easily learn these techniques through classes, online videos or books—and you stay warm and cozy inside while improving your body and mind.

Eat more chocolate! Yes, you read that right. Dark chocolate specifically, increases the production of endorphins (known as the happy hormone). Just make sure not to “over medicate” with chocolate; everything in moderation. Also, a balanced diet—whole grains, fruits/ vegetables, healthy fats—will make your body and mind happy. Drink some green tea, add some turmeric to your curry, and snack on some walnuts—all three of these foods are rich in depression fighting substances. Stay away from bingeing on carbs, you’ll feel great for a little while, but eventually you’ll crash and feel worse.

The doctor is in If none of these strategies works for you, there is always your friendly neighborhood doctor who can recommend more strategies and refer you to a therapist. Talking through things with a professional in a safe space can help you find the coping mechanisms that work best for you. 

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From Downtown to Downhill Before hitting the slopes, here’s some tips to help you prepare for your ski trip. by Caisse Davis

s the winter continues, New Yorkers tend to settle in or take a quick post-holiday trip to snowy upstate New York. Visits to winter resorts and lodges are a time to relax with friends and family by the fire, but more importantly, a time to dust off those skis. When it’s the dead of winter and you’re looking ahead to spring, it’s easy to stay in and sip hot cocoa to avoid the frigid weather. But when the time comes to ski, you want to be prepared, to avoid injury before you hit the slopes.

Pre-ski training is key Prior to starting your ski season, training and preparation of the body is needed, especially if you’re a beginner skier. But training is quite tough for city New Yorkers where there aren’t slopes readily available at any given moment. DeJuana Richardson, one of Asphalt Green’s trainers, offers helpful exercises for pre-ski training. “Training for a ski outing without actually skiing poses a difficult challenge,” Richardson said. “There are very few individuals who have year-round access to slopes, so someone looking to prepare for a ski outing, independent of actually skiing, needs to understand what is required of the body and create a plan that will best improve upon these needs.” According to Richardson, training to ski requires a lot of strength from your legs and

core. Luckily, there are ways to train that do not require a mandatory visit to the mountain (just yet!). “Building a stronger lower body, hips and trunk are key,” Richardson said, adding, “A skier’s body is constantly working to avoid falling, so improving balance via stabilization is also crucial.” Appropriate training exercises for building strength and balance include:  Single-leg planks for your core, hips, knees and ankles  Single-leg deadlifts for your glutes and hamstrings  Single-leg squats (aka pistols) for your quads, legs and entire body Most of these exercises can be done in the comfort of your own home, aside from the deadlifts. To substitute the single-leg deadlift, one can instead utilize a single-leg toe touch. And for single-leg squats, holding onto something stable in your home such as a bed frame is useful. The importance of single-legged exercises is the fact that they improve balance, and strong balance is required while skiing down the hill. But prior to even hitting the slopes, a skier needs the proper energy “to perform and sustain the activity of skiing,” according to Richardson. To build up the energy needed, one should work on cardiovascular and muscular endurance. She suggests this training

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exercise for building up endurance: kettlebell swings for all essential muscles of skiing including the hips, glutes, hamstrings and core Richardson says the kettlebell swings help improve power and endurance throughout your entire body, even in the shoulders and arms, which “helps round out a solid plan for anyone looking to get in top shape by ski season.” The Whiteface Lodge, located in Lake Placid, New York, proposes other preparation techniques that are useful for individuals looking to hit the slopes. The Whiteface Lodge is one resort New Yorkers trek to that provides luxury, relaxation and quality ski action. Amy Osterhaudt, the lodge’s activities director, suggests other options that are beneficial to a hopeful skier. To prepare properly, Osterhaudt says to work out in sevenminute high-intensity interval training (HIIT), which can also be done in your home. Yoga or Pilates is also helpful in exercising your balance and core strength while building up your body’s endurance.

 Double

Gear up and dress right Not only should you train to get in pre-ski shape, but Osterhaudt also recommends preparing your gear for the ski season. To do so, you want to make sure your gear is tuned and your bindings are tight. You will also need a helmet that is in good working condition as well as goggles with “interchangeable lenses for

SKIING | FITNESS

the cloudy days and the sunny days.” You’ll want to ensure you have the appropriate clothing, which typically includes:  Plenty of layers consisting of a thermal top and pants  Snow pants  Warm socks  Snow jacket  Warm gloves and boots made with Gore-Tex, a waterproof fabric Osterhaudt also emphasizes to obey the Skiers’ Conduct, the “most important thing to avoid injury,” which essentially explains to ski in control and watch your surroundings while on the down slopes.

Follow skiers’ conduct to stay safe According to the National Ski Areas Association (NSAA), they “developed [a] Responsibility Code to help skiers and boarders be aware that there are elements of risk in snow sports that common sense and personal awareness can help reduce.” Knowing the proper code is important when taking on a winter sport to avoid injury. The NSAA Responsibility Code is as follows:  Always stay in control, and be able to stop or avoid other people or objects.  People ahead of you have the right of way. It is your responsibility to avoid them.  You must not stop where you obstruct a trail, or are not visible from above.

 Whenever

starting downhill or merging into a trail, look uphill and yield to others.  Always use devices to help prevent runaway equipment.  Observe all posted signs and warnings. Keep off closed trails and out of closed areas.  Prior to using any lift, you must have the knowledge and ability to load, ride and

unload safely. As you prepare for the ski season, it’s imperative to follow these tips and training exercises, to ensure a successful and injuryfree ski trip. Skiing is an intense sport, but it’s a thrill when you ski safely. The ski season is a staple for many New Yorkers, so from Downtown to downhill, have fun! 

Tips to Prevent Common Ski Injuries by Melissa Besada, PT MPT, Physical Therapy Supervisor New York-Presbyterian

Most lower extremity injuries that occur when skiing are related to the knees. The most common is the Medial Collateral Ligament (MCL) injury followed by the Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) injury. Both are injuries to ligaments which are the structures that attach bone to bone and help support joints. INJURY: MCL injuries occur when forces are applied from the outside towards the inside of the knee. This commonly occurs when novel skiers point their skis in and fall over. TIP: The best way to prevent injuries of this type is to pay attention to form, keeping hips in line with knees in line with ankles, with knees equally bent to allow for absorption of uneven terrain. INJURY: ACL injuries occur most often with downhill or alpine skiing when a fall occurs with an attempt to recover, causing twisting motion at the knee. Poor snow conditions are associated with this type of injury. TIP: To decrease your chances of sustaining an ACL tear, do not attempt to recover from a fall; instead, learn the proper way to fall. Strengthening quads and hamstrings can also help to protect against ACL tears. Wearing the appropriate equipment such as quick-release bindings can prevent injury. Lastly, know your limits. Don’t try going for that one last run during poor weather conditions.

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DY I N G B R E E D | R E W I N D

Fine Dining

Revisited

Among new high-rises and fast-paced businesses, the owners of the historic Delmonico’s Restaurant preserve an authentic maître d’ experience in Downtown. by Eva Maria Troester Photography by Rafael Rautha

n the ever-changing landscape of New York City, it seems almost unimaginable for a restaurant to stay open for more than a century, let alone two. But that is the case for Delmonico’s Restaurant. Since opening in 1837 and to this day, Delmonico’s iconic entrance on the corner of Beaver and South William Streets still attracts guests from near and far to revel in history, great food and outstanding service. Though no longer owned by the SwissItalian Delmonico family, the landmark restaurant in the Financial District has stayed a family business, combining European flair with all-American dining. The first-ever dining establishment in the United States to be called by the French term “restaurant,” Delmonico’s today is run by father-and-son duo Branko and Dennis Turcinovic, alongside partner Milan Lucil, and carries on to serve as a beacon in the traditional art of fine dining. Branko Turcinovic and his partner Lucil were both trained at the famous 21 Club. Croatian-born Branko Turcinovic, a bricklayer by trade, came to the U.S. in 1975 and ended up in the restaurant business more by coincidence than purpose. It was clear he had a knack for the service industry, and he cared for the 21 Club like it was his own. He started as a busboy, a year later he was a waiter—10 years later Lucil and Branko Turcinovic bought their first restaurant, Murano, and in the late ’90s they bought Delmonico’s. But they never forgot the essence and importance of the maître d’s and what it meant for a restaurant. “Maître d’s are as important as the owners—if not more. They are on the floor every day,” Branko Turcinovic explained. Maître d’s are the face of the restaurant, and they have to remember everything from the

guests’ names and drink orders to previous conversations and interests. That’s the way to make a lasting impression, that is what the guest is going to remember. “You get a lot of regulars and a lot of walk-ins, and you better treat everybody the same. That’s what I learned at the 21 Club. To treat everybody the same,” Branko Turcinovic remembered.

Hard work and an open heart Not only the birthplace of the famous Delmonico Steak, the restaurant has bred some of the best maître d’s in the business. And the Turcinovics continue that legacy and make sure the staff lives up to Delmonico’s history and service standards. The same way Dennis Turcinovic learned it from his father, he believes in the importance of learning it on the floor. “I’ve been going to work with my father since the age of seven, and I’ve met many maître d’s. Growing up in the business is the only way I learned the traditional maître d’ style,” Dennis Turcinovic said. Teaching someone how to be a good maître d’ is easier said than done. Part of it can’t be taught; it is a personality trait—to

give off a sense of warmth and caring and make the guests feel welcome, to entertain and—most importantly—to genuinely enjoy what you do. “We train our staff to be very personable. And if you don’t know how to read people and you don’t have an open heart to understand how people think and act and to be openminded, it’s very hard to be in this business,” Dennis Turcinovic explained and continued, “I want my staff to love this place and to be happy. It’s about finding the right fit for the right person, and sometimes that takes time.” With an ever growing food scene in Downtown as more restaurants are opening up—and with it raising the culinary standards—service is becoming increasingly important to set restaurants apart. “Restaurants are serving really great food, especially here in the city. But when you know the owner, when you know the maître d’... you come back. That personal touch. That’s going to work forever,” Dennis Turcinovic said. So while the restaurant scene has changed and continues to do so, there’s no doubt at Delmonico’s: the art of fine dining and excellent service will never go out of style. 

“Growing up in the business is the only way I learned the traditional maître d’ style.” – Dennis Turcinovic

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The Great Stock Market Crash of

The Cataclysmic Event That is Still Remembered on Wall Street by James Kaplan Photos: Courtesy of NYPL and Collection of the Museum of American Finance, NYC

ne of the most significant events in the history of Lower Manhattan was the Stock Market Crash of 1929. Although Lower Manhattan since 1776 has endured terrible fires, blizzards, hurricanes, terrorist attacks and economic depressions, for some reason the 1929 stock market crash, though not a natural disaster or terrorist attack, stands out as one of the most cataclysmic and traumatic events in its history. It is still remembered 87 years later even though probably no one alive today is old enough to recall it directly. This is particularly ironic since there have been a number of stock market declines since then that were probably just as steep as the Crash of 1929, but today they are hardly recalled at all. To understand the 1929 crash and why it was qualitatively different from more recent downturns, one must understand the position of the country and the history of Lower Manhattan up to the time it occurred.

New York as Financial Center

Immediately after the American Revolution, the financial center of the country was in Philadelphia. With the liberalization of the ability to obtain bank charters following the election of Thomas Jefferson in 1800, banks and financial institutions proliferated in Lower Manhattan. It was not, however, until New York State’s successful opening of the 362-mile Erie Canal in 1825 and Andrew Jackson’s veto of the Philadelphia based Second Bank of the

United States in 1832 that Wall Street began to outdistance Chestnut Street in Philadelphia as the premier center of American Finance. After the Civil War, Wall Street firms led by such financiers as J.P. Morgan (operating largely with British capital) and Joseph Seligman (operating largely with German Jewish capital) financed the development of the nation’s railroads and began to consolidate many of the nation’s industrial corporation into trusts. Hated by farmers and others around the country, these Wall Street financiers and their trusts were accused of controlling the economy and government for their own benefit, and bringing poverty to farmers and industrial workers throughout the nation. By the time of the First World War, there was some attempt to broaden the capital base in war fund drives, in which thousands of American individual investors bought war bonds designed to help allies such as France fight the Germans.

Economic Optimism

After the First World War (following the success of the War Bond drives) there was a conscious effort by certain Wall Street leaders, such as Edmund Merrill (the forerunner of Merill Lynch) and smiling Charles Mitchell of Citibank to induce a broader base of individual investors from around the country to buy stock in companies listed on the New York Stock Exchange. With many countries in Europe struggling to recover from the First World War, this was a time of great economic optimism in the U.S. when emerging new industries such

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HISTORY | REWIND

as automobiles, airlines, radios and electronics needed capital to expand. The effort to attract middle class individual investors around the country to invest in the stock market was highly successful as it permitted such investors to earn the profits of equity investment, which had previously been largely reserved only to very wealthy investors such as J.P. Morgan and John D. Rockefeller. Particularly after the Florida hurricane of 1926 wiped out many investors in Florida real estate, investment in stock traded on the New York Stock Exchange became the major outlet for their excess funds. As many more upper middle class Americans throughout the country began to follow the fortunes of New York Stock Exchange companies, the historical antipathy of “main street” to Wall Street diminished, and Wall Street became more of a focus of interest to many more Americans. Partially as a result of this inflow of funds into the market, these middle class investors prospered, as the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) rose by 600 percent from 1921 to 1929, as did newly formed companies in the new emerging industries. By the beginning of 1929 there was a tremendous optimism about the market and the American economy. Some people even quit their jobs to come to invest full

time on Wall Street and many more invested their life savings and children’s trust funds with the financial firms. Whereas occasional skeptics such as Roger Babson in Wellesley, Massachusetts, suggested that this prosperity could not last and a “crash” was coming, most Americans ignored these warnings and assumed the prosperity of the roaring twenties would last forever.

The Crash

In the first weeks of October 1929, there was a significant downturn in the prices of a number of the major companies on the New York Stock Exchange, and more commentators began to predict that the long awaited crash might actually be coming. However, prices stabilized in the week thereafter, but in the following week they fell again sharply. By Oct. 24, there was a meeting of financial leaders at the J.P. Morgan headquarters at 23 Wall St. (opposite the New York Stock Exchange), after which Thomas J. Lamont, the presiding partner of J.P. Morgan, announced in an impromptu press conference on the steps that there had been just some panic selling on the exchange but that the major financial institutions were going to deal with it. Around 1:30 p.m. that day Richard Whitney, the vice chairman of the New York Stock Exchange and the broker for J.P. Morgan’s securities purchases, strode across the street to the Exchange, where he began buying up large blocks of stock of major companies at prices above which they were trading. A cheer went up throughout the exchange and the street outside, as it was said that the Morgans and the Rockefellers and other major financiers were going to support the market and stave off disaster as they had from time to time earlier. Prices rose on Oct. 24 and the New York Times of that day ran a headline stating “Richard Whitney Halts Stock Panic.” However, at the time it was possible to buy stock on 10 percent margin and many investors had to sell their highly leveraged holdings in the previous declines. Legend has it that there was a snowstorm in the Midwest and that the telegraph lines were down, so that the word of Whitney’s rescue did not reach middle class investors there. In any event, an avalanche of sell orders came in to the market on the following two or three days. By Oct. 29, it was clear that in the face of these sell orders, the efforts of the

so-called “bankers clique” to stabilize the market had failed. Stock prices then began falling unrestrictedly much to the horror of most investors. The result was that the thousands of investors who had trusted the leaders of Wall Street to protect their financial futures lost most of the money they had invested, and their life savings and children’s education funds were gone.

Cause and Effect

While it is still debated whether the Stock Market Crash of 1929 caused the Great Depression or the Depression caused the Crash, or whether they had anything to do with each other, the fact is that by 1931, the DJIA had lost more than 80 percent of its value, and would not regain the level it reached at its height in September 1929 until 1954. Wall Street investment was largely discredited, as the country looked to the government in Franklin Roosevelt’s New Deal and later the Second World War to bring it out of the Depression. In the early 1950s after the Second World War, with the direct memories of the Great Depression fading, leaders of the New York Stock Exchange began again to promote “people’s capitalism” in which individual investors bought stock in companies listed on the exchange. A whole new generation of industries, such as computers, television broadcasting and satellites began to obtain financing, and as the DJIA rose throughout the 1950s and early 1960s individual investors gained greater confidence in the markets, and Wall Street again became the focus of interest to investors throughout the country. Although on Oct. 19, 1987, the DJIA fell 22 percent in one day and many predicted a return of the Great Depression, the so-called 1987 Crash is hardly remembered today. 

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Downtown’s Hidden Gem

Broad Street Ballroom Photo courtesy of Broad Street Ballroom

estled in the Financial District, this 1928 building was designed in Classical Revival style, with cathedral-height ceilings and 30-foottall bronze-capped marble mosaic columns. The distinctive interior architecture adds drama to all events and parties held here, from fashion shows to weddings. As part of Léman Manhattan Preparatory School, this Downtown hidden gem is worth discovering. “The Broad Street Ballroom is a gorgeous event venue tucked inside a former bank building on Broad Street, across the street from the Stock Exchange. Once inside, you feel you’ve stepped back into old New York society. I love going to concerts and lectures there—it truly embodies Downtown architecture and history.” 

Paige Murphy

Léman Manhattan Preparatory School

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